Warfarin patient education: are we neglecting the program design process?

Patient education is an important part of safe, effective warfarin therapy. A review of warfarin patient education programs described in the periodical literature over the past 20 years was undertaken. Fifteen relevant articles published between 1972 and 1988 were identified. Most of the articles describe content to be taught. Elements of program design receive limited attention. Patient input into program design is not considered. The literature review clearly demonstrates that principles of program design and outcome evaluation should be applied further by health professionals involved in warfarin patient education.