Educational intervention improves anticoagulation control in atrial fibrillation patients: the TREAT randomised trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), most commonly with warfarin, requires maintenance of a narrow therapeutic target (INR 2.0 to 3.0) and is often poorly controlled in practice. Poor patient-understanding surrounding AF and its treatment may contribute to the patient's willingness to adhere to recommendations.

Method

A theory-driven intervention, developed using patient interviews and focus groups, consisting of a one-off group session (1-6 patients) utilising an "expert-patient" focussed DVD, educational booklet, self-monitoring diary and worksheet, was compared in a randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN93952605) against usual care, with patient postal follow-ups at 1, 2, 6, and 12-months. Ninety-seven warfarin-naïve AF patients were randomised to interv

SUBMITTER: Clarkesmith DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3767671 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature