A survey study to assess the patients’ knowledge about anticoagulation therapy

Abstract

Warfarin is the most commonly used oral anticoagulants for the patients with DVT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, valvular heart diseases and artificial heart valve. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge among elderly patients about warfarin therapy. A survey based study was done on 200 elderly patients. Post operative cardiac surgery patients with prosthetic valve replacement, patients with atrial fibrillation and age more than 60 years (elderly) were enrolled for this study. Demographic related data was collected and Standardized Anticoagulant knowledge assessment (AKA) questionnaire was used for the survey. Data analysis was done using STATA 11.1, with the level of significance at p < 0.05. A total of 200 elderly patients, 65% men and 35% women participated in this survey-based study. The mean age of the patients was 69 years. About 58% of elderly patients reported forgetfulness, 14% reported non availability of medicine, and 18% reported financial problems as a reason for non compliance. In this study, only 42% of the patients were aware of any adverse effects of medicine and 66% of elderly patients were not knew of any drug interactions. 75% of patients reported that they are monitoring their PT/INR regularly. It was found that patients’ knowledge of warfarin therapy was low. It is of high importance that medical and nursing professionals must educate elderly patients about warfarin therapy to avoid life threatening drug complications.