Self-management of Anticoagulation Treatment

Patients (n=23) on anticoagulant treatment with warfarin participated in a 27 weeks training program where they learned how to analyse International Normalised Ratio (INR) using the point-of-care instrument CoaguChek® XS and dose warfarin. The patients had to display their skills through a test before considered self-managing. They continued to measure INR weekly for 28 weeks. All INR values during the training program and self-control period were collected. In addition, the patients were told to notify if they had any complications during this period. Ten INR values and complications before enrolment was collected from INR cards and/or their general practioner. The participant filled in a quality of life-questioner at enrolment and after 28 weeks of self-management.