Key result
Older, complex patients with shorter NOAC duration are associated with poorer AFib and treatment knowledge.
Why the study?
Lack of required laboratory monitoring visits for NOACs raises concern for fewer educational opportunities and poorer disease- and treatment-related knowledge compared to VKA therapy.
Cross-Sectional (n=199)
Yes
p-value: p=0.007
There is a significant need for targeted educational interventions regarding NOAC therapy in atrial fibrillation patients, particularly for those who are older, medically complex, or newly prescribed.
May identify older, complex patients for NOAC education; hypothesis-generating for whether knowledge improves adherence or outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have replaced vitamin K antagonist (VKA) oral anticoagulants as the first-line treatment option for stroke prevention in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. With VKA therapy, disease and treatment-related knowledge is associated with improved adherence and outcomes. There is concern that due to the lack of need for ongoing visits for laboratory monitoring in patients on NOACs, there is less opportunity for education, leading to poor disease- and treatment-related knowledge in this patient group. METHODS: One hundred ninety-nine (199) patients presenting to 2 primary care clinics on NOAC therapy were surveyed regarding atrial fibrillation and their knowledge regarding NOACs. Chart review was completed to determine patient characteristics and data obtained was compared with survey results to determine the accuracy of the survey responses. RESULTS: = .007). CONCLUSIONS: There is an opportunity to improve NOAC-related knowledge in patients with atrial fibrillation. When developing educational interventions, patient characteristics associated with poor knowledge should be considered. Based on our results, these are patients who are older, more medically complex, are on apixaban, and have been on NOAC therapy for a shorter duration.
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Valery et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial fibrillation (n=199). Patient characteristics (older age, medical complexity, apixaban use, shorter NOAC duration) was evaluated on Knowledge regarding atrial fibrillation and NOACs (p=0.007). Older, more medically complex patients on apixaban with shorter NOAC therapy duration were associated with poorer knowledge regarding their disease and treatment (P=0.007).
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