Warfarin Use Post Hospitalization: Pilot Comparative Effectiveness of Telephone Follow-Up

Purpose

This study's aims were to evaluate patient knowledge of safe warfarin practices early in treatment, and to pilot a nursing telephone follow-up enhancement to a pharmacy-facilitated discharge.

Method

Forty-two randomized patients in either ”enhanced follow-up“ or ”treatment as usual“ groups completed the study.

Results

Enhanced treatment resulted in significant improvement in warfarin knowledge (86% versus 71%). In critical safety related knowledge questions even larger improvements were present (∼96% compared to ∼77%).

Discussion

The hypothesis that non-adherence generating rehospitalization is a function of poorer knowledge was not supported as there were no warfarin-related readmissions during the study.

Conclusion

The study supports the use of enhanced follow up and the need for larger studies to delineate what patient knowledge prevents rehospitalization and cost effective educational efforts.