May 1, 2006The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Factors Influencing Patient Knowledge of Warfarin Therapy After Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement
Key result
Postdischarge community counseling significantly improved warfarin knowledge scores (P=0.001) among patients with mechanical heart valves, 61% of whom had insufficient knowledge overall.
Population
100 patients surveyed 3 to 6 months after mechanical heart valve replacement
Design
Cross-sectional
Follow-up
3 to 6 months post-surgery
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Postdischarge counseling was associated with higher warfarin knowledge; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective trials before practice change.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
Structured PICO
P
Population
100 patients surveyed 3 to 6 months after mechanical heart valve replacement to assess determinants of warfarin therapy knowledge.
O
Outcome
Patient's knowledge of warfarin, its side effects, and vitamin K food sources measured by a previously validated 20-item questionnairepatient reported
Postdischarge community counseling and understanding the INR concept are strong predictors of adequate warfarin knowledge in patients with mechanical heart valves, highlighting the need for comprehensive postdischarge education programs.
Cite This Study
Hu et al. (2006) conducted a cross-sectional in Mechanical heart valve replacement requiring warfarin therapy (n=100). Postdischarge community counseling and socioeconomic factors vs. No counseling / lower socioeconomic status was evaluated on Knowledge of warfarin therapy (measured by a 20-item questionnaire). Postdischarge community counseling significantly improved warfarin knowledge scores (P=0.001) among patients with mechanical heart valves, 61% of whom had insufficient knowledge overall.