Treatment Expectations, Convenience, and Satisfaction with Anticoagulant Treatment: Perceptions of Patients in South-East Queensland, Australia

BACKGROUND: Warfarin has long been the only oral anticoagulant (OAC) available, but options now include non-vitamin K antagonists. Prescribing an OAC may be influenced by patient factors and preferences influenced by dosing, monitoring, and adverse effects, which may ultimately impact patient satisfaction and convenience. The aim of this study was to explore the perception of OAC treatment by Australian patients in terms of treatment expectations, convenience, and satisfaction. METHODS: The Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire was distributed to patients dispensed OAC medication from three pharmacies in South-East Queensland. Responses to questions using a five-point Likert scale were collated and mean results utilised to assess expectations, convenience, and satisfaction, including an analysis across demographic groups. RESULTS: A total of 56 (26.8%) surveys were returned, with the majority of respondent's male (58.2%). Highest mean scores for treatment expectation were for an OAC that was easy to take (4.85 ± 0.79) and that could be taken care of by the respondents themselves (4.11 ± 1.14). The mean overall score for convenience was 68.90 ± 11.44% and for satisfaction 69.43 ± 16.58%. Significantly higher mean convenience scores were found in females and patients with atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' highest expectations were for an OAC that would be easy to take, and overall satisfaction and convenience was around 69%. Factors including demographics can influence perceptions of therapy, and addressing individual preferences for OAC therapy may increase ratings of satisfaction and convenience.