Patient Self‐Reported Global Satisfaction With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Comparison Between Oral Anticoagulation‐Naïve Versus Oral Anticoagulation‐Experienced Patients

Background Long‐term oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC) is essential to effective stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but adherence to OAC is a concern. Patient self‐reported satisfaction with OAC is a major contributor to OAC adherence. We compared the levels of and time trends in patient global satisfaction with rivaroxaban in OAC‐naïve and OAC‐experienced AF patients. Methods An international, prospective, observational study of treatment with generic rivaroxaban included direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)‐eligible AF patients, whether OAC‐naïve or previously taking any OAC except rivaroxaban. At enrollment, all participants were prescribed rivaroxaban. Patient self‐reported global satisfaction with rivaroxaban was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using a modified Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication Version 2 (TSQM‐II). The lower the TSQM‐II value, the higher patient satisfaction level. Results Of 1020 participants (mean age 68.02 ± 9.65 y, 43.6% female), 630 (61.8%) were OAC‐naïve. The mean patient satisfaction level was consistently higher in OAC‐experienced versus OAC‐naïve patients across all follow‐up visits (1.41 ± 0.518 vs. 1.49 ± 0.604, p = 0.034, 1.45 ± 0.552 vs. 1.56 ± 0.585, p = 0.004 and 1.40 ± 0.511 vs. 1.52 ± 0.540, p < 0.001 at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively). OAC‐naïve status was consistently significantly associated with the level of patient satisfaction during follow‐up, and significant fluctuations in patient satisfaction levels were observed at 6 months among OAC‐naïve but not OAC‐experienced patients. Conclusion Our results suggest that OAC‐naïve patients need additional support, reassurance and more intense regular clinical follow‐up, particularly in the first 6 months after initiation of DOAC therapy.