title: Self-testing and self-management of warfarin anticoagulation therapy in geriatric patients.
abstract: Although anticoagulation therapy with warfarin is necessary for many patients, the burden of frequent clinic visits for monitoring of therapy can pose a potential problem for some older adults. As self-monitoring of warfarin therapy has grown in popularity, a recent meta-analysis has reviewed data relating to self-testing and self-management of anticoagulation therapy. This same study also analyzed outcomes in the elderly, finding a potential benefit for self-monitoring in this population. This potential benefit, combined with the difficulties many elderly patients have attending clinic visits because of a lack of mobility or unavailability of transportation, makes self-monitoring of warfarin a viable option for carefully selected elderly patients. Pharmacists can play a vital role in educating patients about self-monitoring of oral anticoagulation therapy as well as identifying those elderly patients who are good candidates for its use.
authors: Union University School of Pharmacy, Jackson, TN, USA.
authors: Ashley N
authors: AN
authors: Pugh
authors: Bethany L
authors: BL
authors: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000458:organization & administration; D024382:Professional Role; D012648:Self Care; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin