Effect of regimen complexity on patient satisfaction and compliance with warfarin therapy

This study sought to determine patient satisfaction with anticoagulation care in a pharmacist-managed clinic and assess the effect of warfarin regimen complexity on patient satisfaction, compliance, and international normalized ratios (INRs). Retrospective chart reviews of 476 anticoagulation clinic patients were conducted. Patients were divided into groups by complexity of warfarin regimen (whole tablet, split tablet, alternating dose) for comparisons of compliance and INRs. An oral Likert scale satisfaction survey was administered to a convenience sample of 100 patients. Degree of satisfaction was compared based on warfarin regimen. Compliant patients were more likely to have therapeutic INRs (p < 0.01) and to be taking whole tablet dosage regimens (p < 0.01). Patients were generally satisfied with the pharmacist-managed clinic. There was a significantly (p < 0.025) higher score for patients on split tablet regimens, indicating a greater likelihood for agreement that alternating doses made taking their medication more difficult. A relationship exists between patient compliance and prescribed dosage regimen, as well as with therapeutic INR values.