Discharge teaching about warfarin: patient retention of knowledge.
For patients who are post-hospitalization and on warfarin therapy, one key component is the proper management of warfarin therapy. This descriptive study was conducted using a telephone survey to determine what level of knowledge exists regarding management of warfarin among patients back at home. Analysis of data collection results provides recommendations for evidenced-based practices for the home health clinician, which may improve patient outcomes. Basic knowledge of food and medication interactions can make a significant impact on reduction of adverse events of bleeding or clot formation. An understanding of the therapeutic level of warfarin obtained from lab tests could be of greater value.
Winchester Home Care, Winchester, MA, USA. jcook@winhosp.org
Jane
J
Cook-Campbell
Mary
M
Sefton
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin