ABSTRACT
SETTING: Six Districts of the Health Authority "ASL3 Genovese" (Genoa-Italy), where 3764 patients in Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) are followed for monitoring International Normalized Ratio (INR). AIM: To increase knowledge of patients through group health education sessions conducted by nurses. METHOD: Training of nurses and production of a draft version of a booklet. The final version was developed with the contribution of hospital cardiologists, laboratory services, risk managers and General Practitioners. A questionnaire was administered to assess patients satisfaction with clarity of the presentations, relevance of the contents, appropriateness of educational method and usefulness of the booklet. RESULTS: From September to December 2008 1074 patients (51% of those invited) attended the 96 health education sessions that involved 120 nurses. Rate of attendance varied greatly in the six districts ranging from 26% to 68%. Mean age of the participants was 74 (range 33-95). The questionnaires were completed by 1039 participants (97%). The majority rated the contents of the session and the booklet clear, useful and appropriate. Problems encountered, strengths and limitations of the intervention were identified. Plan for action for continuing educational intervention was organised. CONCLUSIONS: Educational sessions were very appreciated. One of the major strengths was the involvement of all the professionals that contribute to patients care.