Table 2 Topics for Education of the Anticoagulated Patient
From: Best strategies for patient education about anticoagulation with warfarin: a systematic review
Category | Educational Topic |
|---|---|
Basics of anticoagulation | Â |
| Â | Description of the coagulation system |
| Â | Normal blood clotting compared with clotting of an anticoagulated patient |
|  | Warfarin – mechanism |
Risk-Benefit | Â |
|  | Risk of bleeding versus – descriptive versus numerical |
|  | Risk of clotting – descriptive versus numerical |
| Â | Complications of thromboemboli |
Adherence | Â |
| Â | Color and strength of tablets |
| Â | What to do if dose missed |
Accessing healthcare professionals | Â |
| Â | When to call the doctor |
| Â | When to seek emergency care |
| Â | Anticoagulation services |
Diet | Â |
| Â | Basics of Vitamin K |
| Â | Specific foods |
Lab monitoring | Â |
| Â | Basics of the INR |
| Â | Therapeutic INR range |
| Â | Most recent INR Result |
| Â | Interpretation of INR values |
| Â | Frequency of INR determination |
Medication interactions | Â |
| Â | Antibiotics |
| Â | OTC medications |
Self-Care | Â |
| Â | Injury management and contraindicated activities |
| Â | Signs of bleeding events (overdose) |
| Â | Signs of thromboembolic events (underdose) |
| Â | Management of minor bleeding events |
| Â | Medical alert bracelet |
|  | Special situations – illness, travel, pregnancy, surgeries |
| Â | Endocarditis prophylaxis |
Self-testing | Â |
| Â | Dose adjustment |
| Â | Home coagulometry |
| Â | Diary/quality control record keeping |