Effects of structured patient education on knowledge level and INR control of patients receiving warfarin: Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of patient education about the safety of warfarin therapy on related-knowledge levels and on International Normalized Ratio (INR) control. METHODS: In the study, randomized controlled experimental study design was used. It was conducted between September 2014-March 2015 with 63 patients who use warfarin at least two months at cardiology and cardiovascular surgery outpatient departments of two different hospitals in Manisa. Participants in the intervention group received one-to-one education about the safety of warfarin therapy and a booklet. Participants in the control group received usual care. Patients' warfarin knowledge levels in both groups were measured three times at monthly intervals. RESULTS: Before education warfarin knowledge levels were inadequate in intervention group, but it was higher after education and reached a good level. No significant difference was found between the International Normalized Ratio controls of the two groups. No significant relationship was found between pre- and post-education warfarin knowledge levels and the INR number in the therapeutic range. CONCLUSION: One-to-one education supported by written and visual material was effective in increasing patients' warfarin knowledge levels.