Fitzmaurice 2005.

Study characteristics
Methods	Multicentre, randomised controlled trial.
Participants	Participants (n = 617) were adults aged > 18 years receiving long‐term anticoagulation therapy at primary care centres within the Midlands Research Consortium (UK).
Interventions	Self‐management vs usual care Participants were randomised to: a) self‐management (n = 337) comprising home self‐testing using Coaguchek® managed anticoagulation for 12 months, testing INR very two weeks (one week after a dose change) and self‐adjusting dosage according to a dosing schedule. b) usual care, comprising anticoagulation management in hospital or practice based anticoagulant clinics (n = 280).
Outcomes	Primary outcome: % time within therapeutic INR range. Secondary outcomes: adverse events, serious bleeding rates, serious thrombosis rates.
Trial identification	ISRCTN 19313375
Study duration	12 months
Oral anticoagulant used	Warfarin
Notes	Intervention participants attended two training sessions. Trained anticoagulation nurses gave participants training at the practice. After the training, participants considered capable of doing self‐management were given home testing equipment Coaguchek® managed anticoagulation for 12 months, testing INR very two weeks (one week after a dose change). Adjusted dosage by using a laminated dosing schedule.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Low risk	Variable block random allocation
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Low risk	Central telephone randomisation
Intention to treat analysis	Low risk	ITT analysis was performed
Reporting of losses of follow‐up	Unclear risk	Inadequate report or > 20% losses (41.5% losses to follow‐up)
Blinding	Low risk	Blinded outcome assessors