Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Assessing anticoagulation knowledge in patients new to warfarin therapy
Amanda R McFee Winans1, Kelly M Rudd, Darren Triller
1Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA. amanda.mcfee@bassett.org
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|June 24, 2010
Summary
A structured warfarin education program significantly improved patient knowledge of anticoagulation therapy compared to usual care. This enhanced understanding at discharge is crucial for improving adherence and long-term patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Patient Education
- Internal Medicine
- Thromboembolic Disorder Management
Background:
- Warfarin is effective for thromboembolic disorders but requires careful anticoagulation control.
- Patient knowledge deficits regarding warfarin therapy predict nonadherence and safety risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the adequacy of anticoagulation education for new warfarin inpatients at discharge.
- To compare patient knowledge gained from a structured program versus usual care.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study at Bassett Medical Center involving inpatients newly initiated on warfarin.
- Patients received either a structured pharmacist-led education or usual care counseling.
- The Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK) test measured knowledge before discharge.
Main Results:
- The structured education group scored significantly higher (74%) on the OAK test than the usual care group (55%).
- A statistically significant difference (p = 0.004) was observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Significant variability exists in patient warfarin knowledge upon hospital discharge.
- A formalized inpatient warfarin education program may enhance initial patient understanding.
- Improved knowledge may lead to better adherence and long-term safety in oral anticoagulation therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Oral anticoagulants are vital tools in preventing and treating blood clotting disorders. This diverse class of medications can be categorized as vitamin K antagonists, exemplified by warfarin, and direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), such as dabigatran, as well as factor Xa inhibitors, including rivaroxaban.
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...