Epistaxis in anticoagulated patients: educating an at-risk population

Epistaxis is a common problem amongst anti-coagulated patients. Application of first-aid principles can control the majority of bleeds. In our sample of 60 patients attending the anticoagulant clinic, 40% were unable to think of a single measure that would be helpful in controlling a nose bleed. 6 weeks after being given first-aid advice the proportion of patients able to recall at least three first-aid principles had improved from 8% to 50%. First-aid education in this respect was well received and there was a good recall rate. Provision of advice verbally backed up by a printed sheet gave best rates of recall.