Keeping warfarin patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic: review of an INR self-testing programme.
Br J Nurs
; 31(3): 142-146, 2022 Feb 10.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1687504
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Anticoagulation clinics faced an unprecedented challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic to safely manage patients on warfarin therapy.METHODS:
A London teaching hospital trust received INR point-of-care (POC) testing devices from its clinical commissioning group. The Trust distributed the devices to patients who were cognitively and physically able to self-test and evaluated clinical outcomes and patient experience.FINDINGS:
A significant improvement in warfarin control (mean time in therapeutic range (TTR) before POC 52%, standard deviation (SD) 24.8, vs mean after 60.7%, SD 19.7; P>0.009) and a 39% reduction in missed appointments were seen in self-testing patients. Positive patient satisfaction and lifestyle outcomes were identified through a telephone survey. A minority of patients struggled with the technique, leading to frustration. Some patients used many test strips through unsuccessful and additional tests.CONCLUSION:
POC testing in a carefully selected group of patients on warfarin therapy resulted in positive clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes. Appropriate governance processes are needed, and clinical expertise is required to support patients. Cost-effectiveness of POC testing needs careful monitoring.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Warfarin
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Br J Nurs
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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