title: Implementation of SintromacWeb(R), a new internet-based tool for oral anticoagulation therapy telecontrol: Study on system consistency and patient satisfaction.
abstract: Most computer- or internet-assisted systems for oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) telemanagement have limitations when it comes to implementation within a healthcare center. It was the objective of this study to evaluate convenience and patient satisfaction with the use of SintromacWeb, a new OAT telecontrol system, compared with the conventional control. SintromacWeb consists of a point-of-care device for patient international normalized ratio (INR) self-testing and software that allows internet mediated interaction with physicians. Patients initiated the use of SintromacWeb and were followed up during a three-month period. A score-based questionnaire was completed in three controlled visits, and data were subsequently analysed. A total of 102 patients were enrolled. At first visit, 55.7% of the patients had their INR within normal range, and 64.9% at the final visit. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was good (Cronbach's a: 0.79). Scores in the questionnaire were independent of patient's age, education level, working status and INR value. The most valued features of SintromacWeb were: fewer visits to the hospital, simplicity and convenience of the system, and time administration for control tasks (86.7%, 82.7% and 77.6% of very satisfied patients, respectively). Also, patients showed indifference or were dissatisfied with the conventional system. At the final visit, 99% of patients declared that they were satisfied with their OAT control. Moreover, all patients continued using SintromacWeb after completion of the study. In conclusion, SintromacWeb telecontrol is a new model for management of anticoagulated patients. It was highly accepted and can be used by all patients regardless of their sociodemographic characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Hemostasia y Trombosis, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain. ferrando_fer@gva.es
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrando
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Mira
authors.forename: María Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aguado
authors.forename: José Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Aznar
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013686:Telemetry
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants