Orbit bleeding tool

NICE recommends using the ORBIT bleed risk tool in combination with addressing modifiable bleeding risk factors when making decisions about anticoagulant treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). NICE acknowledges that ORBIT has demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting absolute bleeding risk compared to other bleeding risk assessment tools.

The ORBIT tool is a vital resource for primary care clinicians to assess bleeding risk in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy. Designed to enhance patient safety, the ORBIT tool evaluates key risk factors including age, kidney function, history of bleeding, and use of antiplatelet agents. By integrating the ORBIT tool into clinical practice, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about anticoagulation therapy, balancing the benefits of stroke prevention with the risks of bleeding. Utilizing the ORBIT tool helps optimize patient outcomes and supports evidence-based care in primary care settings.

This validated tool was developed using data from the 'Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation' (ORBIT-AF) registry, which included patients on direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists. While NICE recognizes the value of ORBIT, they also acknowledge that other bleeding risk tools might still be necessary until ORBIT becomes fully integrated into clinical pathways and electronic systems.