Does satisfaction with information equate to better anticoagulant control?

OBJECTIVES

This study examined how satisfaction with information about warfarin related to demographic and clinical factors including therapeutic outcome.

SETTING

This study took place in the Outpatient clinic of the Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Rep. of Ireland.

METHOD

Patients attending an anticoagulation clinic completed the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines (SIMS) Scale. This was examined in line with clinical and demographic information including: age, gender, diagnosis, number of weeks taking warfarin, and INR control.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The level of satisfaction with information was measured and in addition the association between anticoagulation control and satisfaction level was examined.

RESULTS

One hundred and nineteen patients (61.3% male), participated in the study. The majority of patients were prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation (53.8%). Satisfaction with information about warfarin was inversely related to age (ρ = -0.33, P < 0.01). Patient-reported satisfaction with information pertaining to the question "what is your medicine for?" was significantly associated with anticoagulation control (χ(2) = 7.27, P < 0.01).