Mission, Vision & Multidisciplinary Approach
The North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF) is a multi-disciplinary organization founded with the objective of improving patient care through the advancement of thrombosis education. This unique approach includes conversation between and involvement of patients, advocates, office-based physicians, hospitalists, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and hospital administrators. All educational programs are designed to allow and 
encourage patients and their families to interact with the professionals who carry out research, provide clinical care, or work on public policy or advocacy issues related to thrombosis.
The NATFonline website is seen as a forum to enable the necessary conversation between groups that will enhance thrombosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As a means of promoting the important communication exchange between “lay” and “professional”, we have created two conversation threads or online communication mechanisms. We encourage both “lay” and “professional” to contribute to both of these conversations so that we can learn from each other with the hope of raising awareness and improve outcomes.
The only requirement for contributing to the conversation is that you be a NATF member. Registration is available online.
Vision Statement
NATF’s vision is to improve patient care, outcomes, and public health by utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach to advance thrombosis research and education. NATF’s legacy will be the improvement of patient care, outcomes, and public health by supporting thrombosis-related programs, such as novel research projects, innovative educational programs, public policy initiatives, regulatory issues, and advocacy. NATF also seeks to broaden training opportunities for physicians, scientists, and other health professionals.
Mission Statement
The goal of the North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF) is to focus on unmet needs and issues related to thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and stroke. NATF’s five areas of major focus are:
- Education and Prevention
- Public Policy
- Advocacy
- Basic Translational Research
- Clinical Research, especially diagnosis and therapy
 View 2009 NATF Annual Report |
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The North American Thrombosis Forum was conceptualized to complement existing thrombosis-related organizations and provide a forum for those interested in venous thromboembolism and other thrombotic disorders to focus their efforts. As such, NATF was founded with the objective of eliminating communication gaps between the medical disciplines with regard to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease (Figure 1). Fractured communication or “silos” also exist on a global level, with disconnects between scientific researchers, health care providers, government offices/policy makers, and patients (Figure 2). It is envisioned that a forum for an all-inclusive dialog will have a positive impact on prevention and treatment of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease.
NATF’s programmatic efforts are designed to encourage communication and collaboration among the “silos”. Similar to regional thrombosis organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, NATF provides a structure to coordinate and address all aspects of the thrombosis challenge. This multi-disciplinary approach provides a common forum for the “silos” as well as for agencies with missions that address specific aspects of thrombosis awareness, advocacy, and care. Key to this comprehensive approach is the need to communicate and work collaboratively with congruent agencies. NATF’s promotion of synergy will lead to greater awareness of thrombotic disease and ultimately to better outcomes.
