Implications for Incorporating Home International Normalized Ratio into Practice: Perspective from an Interdisciplinary Team

Warfarin (Coumadin©) has been one of the primary anticoagulants, or blood thinners, prescribed in the United States for many years. Warfarin is a critical medication used to prevent a new blood clot (thrombosis) from forming and prevents further growth of existing clots; this therapy is indicated in individuals who have a history of blood clots, those with certain heart conditions (such as atrial fibrillation), and those with a high clotting risk (such as patients who recently had a hip replacement). Despite its efficacy, there are multiple limitations including multiple medication and food interactions and the required blood monitoring to ensure safe and therapeutic levels (Kuruvilla & GurkTurner, 2001). The international normalized ratio (INR) is a blood test for patients who are prescribed warfarin to evaluate the body’s ability to form a blood clot (Kuruvilla & Gurk-Turner, 2001). Patients are typically required to visit a medical facility...