Table 7.

Elements of Patient Education for Oral Anticoagulants

Novel Oral Anticoagulants Educational Points	Anticoagulation Basics	Indicate the reason for initiating anticoagulation	Warfarin Educational Points
		Review the name of the anticoagulant drug (generic and trade), how they work
		Onset, duration, dosing, frequency, potential drug interactions, storage, reversibility, duration of therapy
	Risk Benefit	Common signs and symptoms of bleeding and what to do when they occur
		Common signs and symptoms of thrombosis and what to do when they occur
		The need for birth control for women of child bearing age
		Precautionary measures to reduce the risk of trauma or bleeding (e.g. shaving, toothbrushing, acceptable physical activities).
		Common side effects or allergic type reactions
	Accessing Health Care	Which health care providers (e.g. physicians, dentists) to notify of the use of anticoagulant therapy
		When to notify an anticoagulation provider (dental, surgical, or invasive procedures or hospitalizations are scheduled)
		Carrying identification (e.g. identification card, medical bracelet/necklace)
	Adherence	Using one pharmacy for all prescription drug needs
		Consequences of non-adherence or taking too much
		When to take an anticoagulant medication and what to do if a dose is missed.
	Lab Monitoring	Periodic (6–12 months) monitoring of renal function for novel anticoagulants
		The meaning and significance of the INR for warfarin; The need for frequent INR testing and target INR values appropriate for treatment
		The narrow therapeutic index and the emphasis on regular monitoring as a way to minimize bleeding and thrombosis risk
	Diet and Lifestyle	The influence of dietary vitamin K use and the need to limit or avoid alcohol

Adapted from Garcia DA et al. Delivery of optimized anticoagulant therapy: Consensus statement from the Anticoagulation Form. Ann Pharmacother 2008;42:979–988.