Key result
General practitioners manage INR in most of 14 countries, enabling concurrent blood pressure and adherence management.
Why the study?
What are the methods for INR monitoring across different countries?
Cross-Sectional (n=14)
Yes
What are the methods for INR monitoring across different countries?
INR monitoring is predominantly managed by general practitioners across various countries, providing opportunities for holistic patient care that should be considered when switching to NOACs.
Survey of post-NOAC INR practices across countries leaves open optimal monitoring standardization; prospective data needed before practice implications.
Background: New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are predicted to become the new standard treatment for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, and may replace vitamin K antagonists (VKAs).NOACs are prescribed less than expected, even though they do not require international normalised ratio (INR) monitoring.In this study we assessed methods for INR monitoring after the introduction of NOACs a in heterogeneous sample of countries.Methods: We asked representatives of the Vasco da Gama Movement, a network of junior and future general practitioners (GPs) in Europe, and WONCA, the World Organization of Family Doctors, to describe the way INR is monitored in their respective countries.Results: Representatives of 14 countries responded.In most countries, the INR is monitored by GPs; in some countries, these patients are treated by other specialists or in specialised anticoagulation centres.In only a few countries, anticoagulated patients monitor the INR themselves.Conclusion: Our study showed several strategies for managing anticoagulation in different countries.In most countries, the INR is monitored by GPs.These consultations offer opportunities to address other issues, such as blood pressure control or medication adherence.These factors may be considered when deciding to switch patients from VKAs to NOACs.
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A 2013 study conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial fibrillation / Anticoagulation monitoring (n=14). INR monitoring methods was evaluated on Methods for INR monitoring. In most of the 14 surveyed countries, INR is monitored by general practitioners, which offers opportunities to address other issues such as blood pressure control or medication adherence.
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