Optimization and Monitoring of Anticoagulation Therapy in Outpatients

To introduce the implementation of point of care INR monitoring service by community pharmacists for optimizing the therapy outcomes of Warfarin, used widely for its anticoagulant activity both as a treatment and prophylaxis. 82 patients were recruited into the study in 5 community pharmacies and all these patients were under the medical care of 7 general medical practitioners. It was found that the patients in the post intervention group had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) control in the INR values than the pre intervention group. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.025) was observed in the quality of life of patients at pre and post intervention groups. There was also a significant (p = 0.016) increase in patient’s knowledge about anticoagulant therapy between pre and post intervention. The community pharmacists and medical practitioners managed anticoagulant service is feasible and acceptable to patients and pharmacist involved in the study.