Abstract Poster Presentation: Warfarin Dosing Card Improving Patient Outcomes

UW School of Pharmacy professor of pharmacy practice, Weeranuj Yamreudeewong, Pharm.D., BCPS, CACP, was selected to present her poster titled "Evaluating The Effect Of Warfarin Dosing Card On Patient Compliance To Prescribed Dosages" (W. Yamreudeewong, H. Wong, J. Rusk, Cheyenne VA Medical Center, Cheyenne, WY) at the Anticoagulation Forum's 10th National Conference on Anticoagulant Therapy in San Diego May 7-9, 2009.

The study found that the warfarin dosing pocket card (developed by the clinical pharmacist provider or CPP) could help to improve patient compliance with the prescribed dosages, thus patient outcomes can be enhanced or improved.

When warfarin therapy is initiated or a change in dosage is required, patients may take incorrect dosages despite proper initial instructions provided by pharmacists and indicated on the labels. During the pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic visits, the warfarin dosing card was provided to patients when the therapy was initiated or the patients' warfarin dosages were going to be changed.

The warfarin pocket card is a small card which is easy for patients to carry. One side of the card contains information about the daily dosage (milligrams or mg) of warfarin that the patient is to take. On the other side of the card, there are pictures of different strengths of warfarin tablets in their original colors from the manufacturer.

The CPP indicated or wrote the proper dosing instructions on the card and marked the appropriate or corresponding warfarin tablet picture(s). The effects of the warfarin dosing pocket card on patient compliance, knowledge of daily warfarin dosage, and the International Normalized Ratio (INR) value (the specific laboratory monitoring parameter) were assessed by the CPP.

During the follow-up clinic visits, the patients' knowledge of their daily warfarin dosages was evaluated. Patients were asked whether they had missed any warfarin doses, and any known or possible causes or reasons if incorrect dosages were taken. The INR values were recorded and evaluated whether they were therapeutic or non-therapeutic, especially, where correct dosages were taken or complied with.

Dr. Yamreudeewong stated there was quite a bit of interest in the example of the warfarin dosing pocket card that was shown with the poster during the conference.

The Anticoagulation Forum is a network of physicians, nurses and pharmacists involved in the therapeutic modality of oral anticoagulation therapy and the management of thrombotic disorders. Through the process of information exchange, medical education and scientific investigation, the Anticoagulation Forum promotes professional development and strives to enhance the quality of anticoagulation care.
 

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009