Home monitoring using self-testing and telemedicine significantly increased the time spent in therapeutic range from 63% to 68% (P<0.001) among previously unstable anticoagulated patients.
Observational (n=114)
Does home monitoring by self-testing using a POCT device and telemedicine support improve time in therapeutic range in anticoagulated patients?
Home monitoring of oral anticoagulation with POCT devices and telemedicine significantly improves time in therapeutic range for previously unstable patients.
Absolute Event Rate: 68% vs 63%
p-value: p=<0.001
Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices can be used to monitor anticoagulant therapy. We compared patients being monitored at home by self-testing using a POCT device and telemedicine support with a previous period of conventional monitoring at a Thrombosis Centre. A total of 114 anticoagulated patients participated. The number of blood checks (INR) was significantly higher in the home monitoring group and the interval between checks was significantly shorter. The percentage of missed INR checks was significantly higher during the conventional monitoring period compared with home monitoring. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the time spent within the therapeutic range (TTR) during conventional monitoring: the unstable group had TTR<70% and the stable group had TTR ≥70%. In the unstable group there was a significant increase in TTR with home monitoring: 63% to 68% (P < 0.001) while in the stable group there was no significant change (77% to 75%). The study showed that oral anticoagulation management by means of self-testing is suitable and safe.
Barcellona et al. (2013) conducted an observational in Anticoagulant therapy (n=114). Home monitoring by self-testing (POCT) and telemedicine vs. Conventional monitoring at a Thrombosis Centre was evaluated on Time spent within the therapeutic range (TTR) in patients with prior TTR <70% (p=<0.001). Home monitoring using self-testing and telemedicine significantly increased the time spent in therapeutic range from 63% to 68% (P<0.001) among previously unstable anticoagulated patients.