Patient perspectives on taking vitamin K antagonists: a qualitative study in the UK, USA and Spain

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism respondents accept the limitations of VKAs and the adjustments to their lifestyles, but recognize a lack of alternative treatment.

Patients’ and health professionals’ views and experiences of atrial fibrillation and oral-anticoagulant therapy: A qualitative meta-synthesis

“…(Patient 16, final treatment aspirin) [27] There are other issues related to lifestyle which resulted in refusal of, or a negative perception of, warfarin: the need for regular blood tests to monitor anticoagulation control, the amount of time it takes to do the tests, abstinence of alcohol, and an ever increasing amount of tablets. [19,21,23,24,28,29] "I've had one patient who has refused to go on warfarin . .…”

“…[29] Patients' resistance to follow-ups was also reported as a challenge. [20] "I have to miss work to get my blood work done or go visit the doctor to get a prescription and depending on their hours, sometimes I have to leave."…”

“…[20] "I have to miss work to get my blood work done or go visit the doctor to get a prescription and depending on their hours, sometimes I have to leave." (Patient US Group 6) [29] However, some patients viewed the regular bloods positively as the monitoring confirmed their warfarin control. [21,29] "I like getting it checked.…”

“…(Patient US Group 6) [29] However, some patients viewed the regular bloods positively as the monitoring confirmed their warfarin control. [21,29] "I like getting it checked. It makes me feel more comfortable, as far as know I'm okay."…”

Decision-making around antithrombotics for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: the health professionals’ views

“…In this study, although patients' preference was not directly investigated, according to the health professionals interviewed, patients generally preferred NOACs over warfarin. This finding is unsurprising, given that a previous study found a 'hypothetical oral anticoagulant', which had no monitoring requirement and no interactions with food, alcohol or concomitant medications, was preferred over warfarin by more than half of the patients; the 'no monitoring' was considered the primary advantage by the patients [33]. Therefore, the preferences of patients present a significant challenge in antithrombotic prescription in general practice [34], and may contribute to the under-treatment of patients.…”