Knowledge of vitamin K antagonists’ use in atrial fibrillation patients
Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2016, Vol 22, Issue 1
Abstract
[b]Introduction.[/b] Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are a well-known group of antithrombotic agents examined in clinical trials with a proven effect of preventing embolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In order to achieve such an efficacy and safety, it is essential to educate the patients and maintain their strict compliance. [b]Objective.[/b] To examine the level of knowledge about thromboembolism prevention in patients with AF who receive oral anticoagulants – acenocumarol, warfarin – and to assess the regularity of taking the oral anticoagulant and the value of INR as a measure of the effectiveness of the therapy. [b]Material and methods.[/b] The prospective trial included 55 randomly chosen patients asked to fill out a questionnaire created for the purposes of the study. The value of INR at admission was also collected. [b]Results.[/b] Among 55 examined patients, just over a half had the feeling of sufficient knowledge about the drug. Mean test result was 5.76 points out of a possible 13. Only every other patient received written materials regarding the rules of the treatment. The INR value in the therapeutic range was noted in 56.4% of patients. The correct limits of that range were given by only 45.5%. [b]Conclusions.[/b] The level of patients` knowledge about the rules of the therapy with VKA is low. It correlates negatively with age. Older patients require special attention of the physician starting the therapy, a longer time for education, or a more meticulous monitoring of the treatment. Receiving materials about the VKA and INR leads to an increase in patients` knowledge. A better knowledge about the rules of the treatment does not mean keeping the INR value within the therapeutic range. However, it allows patients to participate in the drug dose adjustment.[b]Key words:[/b] atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants, patient education as topic
Authors and Affiliations
Daria Gorczyca-Siudak, Łukasz Siudak, Jerzy Mosiewicz
Keywords
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