Sawicki 1999.

Study characteristics
Methods	Multicentre, partially blinded, randomised study.
Participants	Participants (n = 179) were individuals (mean age 55 years), receiving long term oral anticoagulation. The study was based in 5 referral centres (Germany).
Interventions	Self‐management vs usual care Participants were randomised to a) self‐management (n = 90): home self‐testing and self‐dosing using a Coagucheck® monitor, measuring INR 1‐2 times per week and adjusting their anticoagulant according to their INR values. Participants recorded INR values routinely, recorded the results and anticoagulation dosages in their logbook. b) usual care (n = 89): conventional management via twice monthly clinic visits for INR testing with dosage adjustment advised by the general practitioner.
Outcomes	Primary and secondary outcomes were not specified. Data were reported for: squared INR deviation from the mean of the individual INR target range; percentage participants with INR within target range at 3 months and at 6 months; major bleeding; minor bleeding; thromboembolic events; treatment satisfaction.
Trial identification
Study duration	6 months
Oral anticoagulant used	Phenprocoumon
Notes	Participants randomised to the self‐management group received a structured educational program comprising three consecutive weekly teaching sessions of 60‐90 minutes.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Low risk	Computer program.
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Possibly adequate or not used.
Intention to treat analysis	Low risk	ITT analysis was used
Reporting of losses of follow‐up	Low risk	14/179 (7.8%) of participants were lost to follow‐up; reasons not reported
Blinding	Low risk	Participants were not blinded to the intervention; data collectors were blinded.