The relationship between knowledge, health literacy, and adherence among patients taking oral anticoagulants for stroke thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation

Development and validation of the Chinese oral anticoagulants knowledge tool (C-OAKT): A pilot study

Objective

To develop and validate an oral anticoagulant knowledge tool for Chinese-speaking patients treated with warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in Hong Kong.

Method

This pilot validation study consisted of the following three phases: (1) the development of a knowledge tool and content validity assessment; (2) a pilot study of 200 participants, consisting of 100 patients taking warfarin or DOACs, 50 pharmacists, and 50 members of the general public; and (3) known-group validity and reliability assessments.

Results

A 19-item "Chinese Oral Anticoagulants Knowledge Tool (C-OAKT)" was developed with a scale content validity index of 0.95. The mean score for known-group validity was significantly higher in the pharmacist group than the patient groups, and the patient groups scored significantly higher than the general public (mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 90.00 ± 7.11 vs. 51.55 ± 17.49 vs. 19.0 ± 15.42, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean score was higher for patients who attended a pharmacist-managed anticoagulant therapy management clinic (PAC) than for non-PAC patients (mean ± SD = 56.80 ± 13.60 vs. 46.30 ± 9.43; p = 0.004). An analysis of internal consistency showed a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86.

Conclusion

The results of the pilot validation study suggested that the C-OAKT is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing patients' knowledge of oral anticoagulants in ambulatory care settings.

Innovations

This is the first validated Chinese version of an anticoagulant knowledge assessment tool. This tool will be utilized in public hospitals in Hong Kong, and will facilitate future research exploring the relationship between anticoagulant knowledge and patient-related outcomes.

Knowledge, attitude and practice toward oral anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are effective in reducing this risk. To investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward OACs among patients with AF.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at local Hospital between April 2023 and May 2023, and enrolled AF patients.

Results

A total of 491 valid questionnaires were collected, with 293 (59.67%) male and 73.93% resided in urban areas. The KAP scores were 4.64 ± 3.28, 21.09 ± 2.33 and 26.18 ± 2.15, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that junior high school [odd ratio (OR) = 0.346, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.145-0.825, P = 0.017], junior college/bachelor and above (OR = 6.545, 95% CI = 2.863-14.963, P < 0.001), monthly income ≥5,000 (OR = 2.343, 95% CI = 1.074-5.111, P = 0.032), never taken OACs (OR = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.004-0.059, P < 0.001), and having been diagnosed AF (6-10 months, OR = 4.003, 95% CI = 1.653-9.692, P = 0.002;over 20 months, OR = 4.046, 95% CI = 1.753-9.340, P = 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge. Knowledge (OR = 1.376, 95% CI = 1.162-1.629, P < 0.001), junior high school (OR = 0.258, 95% CI = 0.084-0.792, P = 0.018), monthly income ≥5,000 (OR = 5.486, 95% CI = 1.834-16.412, P = 0.002), and never undergone AF ablation (OR = 0.214, 95% CI = 0.097-0.471, P < 0.001) were independently associated with attitude. Knowledge (OR = 1.128, 95% CI = 1.030-1.235, P = 0.009), 70-79 years (OR = 2.193, 95% CI = 1.166-4.124, P = 0.015) and ≥80 years (OR = 4.375, 95% CI = 2.034-9.411, P < 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practice.

Conclusion

Patients with AF had inadequate knowledge, suboptimal attitude and inactive practice towards AF and OACs. Improving patient education, especially among those with lower education levels, enhances understanding and management of AF and OACs.

Correlation between Health and eHealth Literacy and a Healthy Lifestyle: A Cross-Sectional Study of Spanish Primary Healthcare Patients

BACKGROUND

Health literacy and eHealth literacy play a crucial role in improving a community's ability to take care of themselves, ultimately leading to a reduction in disparities in health. Embracing a healthy way of living is vital in lessening the impact of illnesses and extending one's lifespan. This research delves into the link between the health and eHealth literacy levels of individuals accessing primary healthcare services and investigates how this relates to adopting a health-conscious lifestyle.

METHODS

The approach involves a cross-sectional examination carried out at a healthcare facility in the Madrid region of Spain, focusing on adult patients who are in need of primary care nursing services. Health and eHealth literacy and a healthy lifestyle were measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ), and the "PA100" questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS

Only some of the dimensions of the HLQ and eHLQ were significantly related to a healthy lifestyle, predominantly with a very low or low relationship. Dimension three of the HLQ and dimension five of the eHLQ acquired more importance and were positioned as positive predictors of a healthy lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS

This study helps comprehend the relationship between health and eHealth literacy and a healthy lifestyle, which provides information that contributes to understanding the factors that might have a higher impact on lifestyles.

The Relationship Between Signature Time and Functional Health Literacy: Results from a Prospective Study of an Urban Low-Income Population Receiving Long-Term Anticoagulation

INTRODUCTION

Low health literacy (HL) is consistently associated with worse health outcomes. Routine clinical screening with available instruments is impractical because of added time and effort. Prior findings suggested that signature time may be a reliable alternative measure of HL among general medicine patients.

METHODS

Our aim was to assess the screening performance of signature time and explore optimal thresholds for identifying patients with limited HL in a chronically anticoagulated population. English-speaking patients receiving long-term anticoagulation therapy were recruited. HL was assessed using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA). Signature time was measured using a stopwatch. Logistic regression models and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the association and accuracy of signature time compared to HL, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 139 enrolled patients, mean age was 60.1 years, 70.5% were African-American, 48.9% reported < $25,000 income, and 27.3% had marginal or inadequate HL. Overall, median time to sign was 6.1 s. Signature time was longest with inadequate HL (median 9.5 s) compared to adequate HL (5.7 s; p < 0.01). Longer signature time was significantly associated with lower HL after adjusting for age and education (aOR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.68-0.88, p < 0.01). Signature time demonstrated high accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.8) in identifying HL levels. Thresholds of 5.1 s and 9.0 s showed appropriate screening performance in distinguishing patients with adequate vs. marginal and marginal vs. inadequate HL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Signature time demonstrated strong screening performance and may offer a quick and practical approach to assessing HL among patients receiving long-term anticoagulation management.

Direct oral anticoagulants: patient reported adherence and minor bleedings

Data regarding adherence and minor bleeding on direct oral anticoagulants in everyday life are still sparse. Inclusion criteria: treatment initiated with dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients from a center in northern Sweden between 2011 and 2019 (n = 668). Exclusion criteria: cognitive impairment, dose dispensing, need of interpreter or hospital admission (n = 67). By a telephone interview adherence was measured in 569 patients (response rate 94.8%) using the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale and minor bleeding was asked for. CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were collected from medical records. The number (n), mean age, mean treatment duration, mean (points) CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores was with dabigatran (n = 175, 73.3 years, 17.8 months, 3.6 p and 2.2 p), rivaroxaban (n = 198, 73.7 years, 21months, 3.8 p and 2.1 p) and apixaban (n = 196, 72.7 years, 15.2 months, 3.4 p and 2.1 p). Adherence was high for dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban in 54%, 76% and 53%; intermediate in 37%, 20% and 37% or low in 9%, 4% and 10% respectively. High adherence (Morisky score 8) distinguished rivaroxaban (p < 0.0001) and in patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥ 4 p, (p < 0.0001). Patients on rivaroxaban/apixaban reported more minor bleedings (37% / 28%) compared to dabigatran (13%), (p < 0.001). Only 61% of the patients followed prescription. Adherence to rivaroxaban was significantly better, maybe due to the once daily dosing regimen, and furthermore among patients with higher risk for stroke. Minor bleedings were less common in the dabigatran group. The impact of minor bleedings on adherence and a possible relationship to clinical outcomes need to be further studied.

Factors that influence health literacy in patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the factors that exert an influence on health literacy in patients with coronary artery disease.

METHODS

a crosssectional study, including 122 patients with coronary diseases (60.7% male; 62.07 ± 8.8 years old). Health literacy and specific knowledge about the disease were evaluated through interviews with the participants by means of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults and the Short version of the coronary artery disease education questionnaire. The data were described by means of central tendency measures and frequencies. The factors that exert an influence on health literacy were determined by means of a linear regression model. The significance level adopted was 5%. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

age and arterial hypertension presented an inverse and significant relationship with health literacy. On the other hand, higher schooling levels and having a job were associated with better scores in the health literacy instrument. Specific knowledge about the disease did not exert any influence on health literacy. The variables included in the regression model explained 55.3% of inadequate literacy.

CONCLUSION

this study, knowledge about the disease exerts no influence on health literacy: however, the professionals should consider the sociodemographic and clinical factors to plan the interventions.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate an Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention Shared Decision-Making Pathway

Background Oral anticoagulation reduces stroke and disability in atrial fibrillation (AF) but is underused. We evaluated the effects of a novel patient-clinician shared decision-making (SDM) tool in reducing oral anticoagulation patient's decisional conflict as compared with usual care. Methods and Results We designed and evaluated a new digital decision aid in a multicenter, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial, ENHANCE-AF (Engaging Patients to Help Achieve Increased Patient Choice and Engagement for AF Stroke Prevention). The digital AF shared decision-making toolkit was developed using patient-centered design with clear health communication principles (eg, meaningful images, limited text). Available in English and Spanish, the toolkit included the following: (1) a brief animated video; (2) interactive questions with answers; (3) a quiz to check on understanding; (4) a worksheet to be used by the patient during the encounter; and (5) an online guide for clinicians. The study population included English or Spanish speakers with nonvalvular AF and a CHA2DS2-VASc stroke score ≥1 for men or ≥2 for women. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either usual care or the shared decision-making toolkit. The primary end point was the validated 16-item Decision Conflict Scale at 1 month. Secondary outcomes included Decision Conflict Scale at 6 months and the 10-item Decision Regret Scale at 1 and 6 months as well as a weighted average of Mann-Whitney U-statistics for both the Decision Conflict Scale and the Decision Regret Scale. A total of 1001 participants were enrolled and followed at 5 different sites in the United States between December 18, 2019, and August 17, 2022. The mean patient age was 69±10 years (40% women, 16.9% Black, 4.5% Hispanic, 3.6% Asian), and 50% of participants had CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥3 (men) or ≥4 (women). The primary end point at 1 month showed a clinically meaningful reduction in decisional conflict: a 7-point difference in median scores between the 2 arms (16.4 versus 9.4; Mann-Whitney U-statistics=0.550; P=0.007). For the secondary end point of 1-month Decision Regret Scale, the difference in median scores between arms was 5 points in the direction of less decisional regret (P=0.078). The treatment effects lessened over time: at 6 months the difference in medians was 4.7 points for Decision Conflict Scale (P=0.060) and 0 points for Decision Regret Scale (P=0.35). Conclusions Implementation of a novel shared decision-making toolkit (afibguide.com; afibguide.com/clinician) achieved significantly lower decisional conflict compared with usual care in patients with AF. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04096781.

Association between health literacy and medication adherence in chronic diseases: a recent systematic review

BACKGROUND

Poor medication adherence is a serious barrier to successful chronic disease management. Previous reviews reported that low health literacy could be associated with medication non-adherence but conclusions were uncertain.

AIM

The aim of this systematic review was to clarify the relationship between health literacy and medication adherence in adults with chronic diseases. A secondary objective was to identify the factors that influence medication adherence.

METHOD

Publications analyzing the relationship between health literacy and adherence in adults with chronic diseases were identified through 6 databases between 2015 and 2020. A quality assessment was conducted in order to improve the interpretation of the relationship between health literacy and medication adherence. A narrative synthesis was then performed to describe the relationship between health literacy and medication adherence. The factors influencing medication adherence were then analyzed as a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

Among the 27 studies, 17 and 10 were considered to be of good and medium methodological quality, respectively. Concerning the relationship between health literacy and adherence, 14 reported a positive relationship, 1 study suggested a negative relationship, 3 found mixed results, and 9 reported not finding a relationship. Patient-related factors such as medication beliefs, self-efficacy, or medication knowledge, as well as demographic factors such as ethnic minority and incomes influence medication adherence.

CONCLUSION

The present review confirms an unclear relationship between health literacy and medication adherence. Although health literacy plays a substantial role in medication adherence, other factors must be taken into account when addressing non-adherence.

Coordination of Oral Anticoagulant Care at Hospital Discharge (COACHeD): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

Background

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are commonly prescribed, have well-documented benefits for important clinical outcomes but have serious harms as well. Rates of OAC-related adverse events including thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events are especially high shortly after hospital discharge. Expert OAC management involving virtual care is a research priority given its potential to reach remote communities in a more feasible, timely, and less costly way than in-person care. Our objective is to test whether a focused, expert medication management intervention using a mix of in-person consultation and virtual care follow-up, is feasible and effective in preventing anticoagulation-related adverse events, for patients transitioning from hospital to home.

Methods and analysis

A randomized, parallel, multicenter design enrolling consenting adult patients or the caregivers of cognitively impaired patients about to be discharged from medical wards with a discharge prescription for an OAC. The interdisciplinary multimodal intervention is led by a clinical pharmacologist and includes a detailed discharge medication reconciliation and management plan focused on oral anticoagulants at hospital discharge; a circle of care handover and coordination with patient, hospital team and community providers; and early post-discharge follow-up virtual medication check-up visits at 24 h, 1 week, and 1 month. The control group will receive usual care plus encouragement to use the Thrombosis Canada website.

The primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment rate, participant retention rates, trial resources management, and the secondary clinical outcomes include adverse anticoagulant safety events composite (AASE), coordination and continuity of care, medication-related problems, quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization. Follow-up is 3 months.

Discussion

This pilot RCT tests whether there is sufficient feasibility and merit in coordinating oral anticoagulant care early post-hospital discharge to warrant a full sized RCT.

Trial registration

NCT02777047.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-022-01130-z.

Assessment of treatment patterns and patient awareness in atrial fibrillation patients using non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (ASPECT-NOAC)

Background and Aim

Despite the advances in oral anticoagulation with NOACs, careful patient and dose selection is required with NOAC therapy. Our study aimed to assess treatment patterns of NOACs in AF along with patients’ continuity to NOAC treatments in first year, and their knowledge level of AF and NOAC treatment.

Methods

ASPECT-NOAC was designed as an observational, prospective, and multicenter study. AF patients who were prescribed NOACs within last four months were recruited from 34 outpatient cardiology clinics covering all geographic regions of Turkey. Baseline data were collected initially whereas patient awareness was evaluated at 3 to 4 weeks. Final study visit was performed at 12 months.

Results

In total, 991 patients were included to the study. Mean ± standard deviation of age was 69.4 ± 10.2 years and 53.0% of patients were female. Mean duration from AF diagnosis was 24.9 ± 50.9 months. Mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 3.1 ± 1.5 and 1.6 ± 1.1, respectively. AF disease and NOAC treatment knowledge levels were found to be 48.9 ± 23.1% and 73.0 ± 19.3%, respectively. Among reduced dose users 71.4% of patients were prescribed inappropriate reduced doses. Through the study follow-up, 32 patients (3.2%) deceased and NOAC therapy was discontinued in 74 patients (8.7%).

Conclusion

AF patients who recently started NOAC treatment in Turkey were found to have variable knowledge about their disease and anticoagulation treatment. It was observed that most of the patients continued the NOAC treatment throughout the study. Reduced dosing of NOACs was common, which was associated with higher baseline risk for bleeding as well as stroke.

Knowledge of Anticoagulation Among Saudi Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Knowledge about oral anticoagulant treatment can impact treatment outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, evidence is scarce regarding the knowledge of oral anticoagulants among Saudi patients with atrial fibrillation. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of anticoagulation knowledge among patients with atrial fibrillation taking oral anticoagulants. Methodology A survey using a cross-sectional study design was conducted among patients with a confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in a tertiary care setting. The Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool (AKT), a 33-item, self-administered questionnaire, was used to assess the knowledge of anticoagulation. Results A total of 290 patients with a median age of 67 years participated in the survey. More than half of those surveyed (56.2%) were females. Overall, 195 (67.2%) patients had an overall adequate anticoagulation knowledge. The median knowledge score of participants on warfarin was significantly higher than those on direct-acting oral anticoagulants (p < 0.001). Only age was found to be a predictor of AKT. Increasing age was associated with fewer odds of adequate AKT. For every one-year increase in age, the knowledge score decreased by 0.08 (95% confidence interval: -0.13 to -0.04). Conclusions This study found significant knowledge gaps among Saudi patients with atrial fibrillation taking oral anticoagulants. Advancing age was inversely associated with oral anticoagulation knowledge.

The Influential Factors of Adherence to Physical Activity and Exercise among Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Path Analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the status of physical activity and exercise (PAE) adherence and identify its influential factors among community-dwelling stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND

Regular PAE after stroke is essential for recovery and secondary prevention, while adherence to PAE and its influential factors are rarely studied.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study.

METHODS

In total, 208 stroke survivors (70.25 ± 9.08 years) were randomly selected from three communities. The influential factors of PAE adherence and associations between these variables were explored using multiple linear regression and path analyses. This study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist, STROBE.

RESULTS

The mean adherence rate was moderate (62.00%), and stroke survivors tended to be more adherent to PAE than monitoring and seeking advice (70.30%>53.50%>48.30%). The regression results revealed that seven factors were significantly associated with PAE adherence, including knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, social support, self-care ability, community rehabilitation experience and times since stroke. Furthermore, the path analysis showed that knowledge had a significant indirect positive influence on adherence with self-efficacy as a mediator, while attitude and social support impacted both directly and indirectly with self-efficacy as the mediator. Moreover, self-efficacy had the most substantial direct effect on community-dwelling stroke survivors' PAE adherence. These four variables accounted for a total of 67.00% of the variance in PAE adherence among community-dwelling stroke survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

The PAE adherence of community stroke survivors needs to be improved. Healthcare professionals should develop more effective interventions to promote PAE adherence through enhancing self-efficacy among this population.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Adherence to the recommended regimen is the most challenging dimension of stroke physical activity and exercise. This study contributes to exploring status and influential factors of PAE adherence, and self-efficacy was found to be a significant determinant. The results could be used to inspire future community-based intervention programs for stroke survivors.

"Lessons Learned" Preventing Recurrent Ischemic Strokes through Secondary Prevention Programs: A Systematic Review

Recurrent ischemic strokes are a cause of significant healthcare burdens globally. Patients with uncontrolled vascular risk factors are more likely to develop recurrent ischemic strokes. This study aims to compile information gained from current secondary prevention programs. A pre-defined literature search strategy was applied to PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases, and studies from 1997 to 2020 were evaluated for quality, study aims, and outcomes. The search produced 1175 articles (1092 after duplicates were removed) and titles were screened; 55 titles were retained for the full-text analysis. Of the remaining studies, 31 were retained for assessment, five demonstrated long-term effectiveness, eight demonstrated short-term effectiveness, and 18 demonstrated no effectiveness. The successful studies utilized a variety of different techniques in the categories of physical fitness, education, and adherence to care plans to reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. The lessons we learned from the current prevention programs included (1) offer tailored care for underserved groups, (2) control blood pressure, (3) provide opportunities for medication dosage titration, (4) establish the care plan prior to discharge, (5) invest in supervised exercise programs, (6) remove barriers to accessing care in low resource settings, and (7) improve the transition of care.

Self-report instruments for assessing adherence to warfarin therapy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The assessment of adherence to warfarin therapy is useful in clinical practice due to its wide variability in dose-response and risks of complications. The aim of this study was to investigate validated instruments used to assess adherence to warfarin therapy.

METHODS

Information was collected from the MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Search strategies were applied for each database, with no time limit or language restriction. Inclusion criteria consisted of study participants of ≥ 18 years of age, from both sexes, on chronic anticoagulation with warfarin for any indication and the use of validated instruments to assess adherence to warfarin therapy. Exclusion criteria consisted of duplicate articles, narrative or systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, as well as case reports/series and experimental studies involving animals. Two independent reviewers performed the following steps: evaluation of titles/abstracts, selection of studies after full reading, data extraction, and evaluation of potential bias. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer.

RESULTS

Overall, 19 articles were selected for this systematic review, including 17 cross-sectional studies, one cohort study, and one quasi-experimental study, published from 2009 to 2019. The validated instruments identified in this review were Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), Measurement of Treatment Adherence (MTA), and Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ). Only MMAS-8 was tested for reliability, using the internal consistency assessment, with Cronbach's α range 0.56-0.71.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlighted a gap in knowledge regarding the scarcity of validated instruments to assess adherence to warfarin therapy. Limitations were found in instruments that comprised the assessment of the isolated use of medication and the lack of analysis of other relevant therapeutic aspects. Future studies are needed to develop and validate more comprehensive instruments in an attempt to assess adherence to warfarin therapy.

PROSPERO

Registration number CRD42019128324.

Health literacy of patients on oral anticoagulation treatment- individual and social determinants and effect on health and treatment outcomes

Background

Assessment health literacy in people with cardiovascular health problems would facilitate the development of appropriate health strategies for the care and reduction of complications associated with oral anticoagulation therapy. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between health literacy and health and treatment outcomes (concordance with oral anticoagulants, Normalized Ratio control and occurrence of complications) in patients with cardiovascular pathology.

Methods

Observational, analytic and cross-sectional study carried out on 252 patients with cardiovascular pathology (atrial fibrillation, flutter or valve prosthesis), aged 50–85 years, accessing primary care services in Valencia (Spain) in 2018–2019. Variables referring to anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonists (years of treatment, adequate control, polypharmacy and occurrence of complications, among others) and health literacy (Health Literacy Questionnaire) were analysed.

Results

All dimensions of health literacy were significantly related to the level of education (p < 0.02), social class (p < 0.02), an adequate control of acenocoumarol (p < 0.001), frequentation of health services (p < 0.001), information by patients to health professionals about anticoagulant treatment (p < 0.03), emergency care visits (p < 0.001) and unscheduled hospital admissions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Health literacy has a relevant influence on the adequate self-management of anticoagulation treatment and the frequency of complications. The different dimensions that comprise health literacy play an important role, but the “social health support” dimension seems to be essential for such optimal self-management.

Trial registration

ACC-ACE-2016-01. Registration date: December 2015.

Treated with preventive anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation: The patients' perspective

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of preventive anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation.

DESIGN

This was a descriptive qualitative study based on interviews.

METHODS

Individual interviews with 15 patients, 6 women and 9 men, treated with preventive oral anticoagulant due to atrial fibrillation, were conducted. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Based on the analysis, the theme Managing a necessary evil emerged. The theme comprised the three categories: Coping with anxiety and changes in daily life, Having confidence in care and Being a partner or only a receiver of treatment. Patients described it like being faced with a situation where a treatment perceived as vital was weighed against undesirable consequences and risks. Patients trusted caregivers and had confidence in care, but there was a risk of being a receiver of care instead of becoming a partner.

World Heart Federation Roadmap on Atrial Fibrillation - A 2020 Update

The World Heart Federation (WHF) commenced a Roadmap initiative in 2015 to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease and resultant burgeoning of healthcare costs. Roadmaps provide a blueprint for implementation of priority solutions for the principal cardiovascular diseases leading to death and disability. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of these conditions and is an increasing problem due to ageing of the world’s population and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors that predispose to AF. The goal of the AF roadmap was to provide guidance on priority interventions that are feasible in multiple countries, and to identify roadblocks and potential strategies to overcome them.

Since publication of the AF Roadmap in 2017, there have been many technological advances including devices and artificial intelligence for identification and prediction of unknown AF, better methods to achieve rhythm control, and widespread uptake of smartphones and apps that could facilitate new approaches to healthcare delivery and increasing community AF awareness. In addition, the World Health Organisation added the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to the Essential Medicines List, making it possible to increase advocacy for their widespread adoption as therapy to prevent stroke. These advances motivated the WHF to commission a 2020 AF Roadmap update. Three years after the original Roadmap publication, the identified barriers and solutions were judged still relevant, and progress has been slow.

This 2020 Roadmap update reviews the significant changes since 2017 and identifies priority areas for achieving the goals of reducing death and disability related to AF, particularly targeted at low-middle income countries. These include advocacy to increase appreciation of the scope of the problem; plugging gaps in guideline management and prevention through physician education, increasing patient health literacy, and novel ways to increase access to integrated healthcare including mHealth and digital transformations; and greater emphasis on achieving practical solutions to national and regional entrenched barriers. Despite the advances reviewed in this update, the task will not be easy, but the health rewards of implementing solutions that are both innovative and practical will be great.

Medication Handling and Storage among Pilgrims during the Hajj Mass Gathering

We aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of Hajj pilgrims regarding medication storage and handling during the Hajj mass gathering. In this cross-sectional study, adult pilgrims from 30 countries were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during the 2019 Hajj. The study enrolled 1221 participants with a mean age of 50.8 years (SD = 12.5, range = 18-98) and male:female ratio of 1.7:1. Most pilgrims were literate, 50.4% had a university or higher education, and 38% reported at least one underlying health condition. Most pilgrims reported receiving education regarding the proper way to store their medication during Hajj, mainly from physicians (73.7%) and pharmacists (39.4%). Although 68.2% of pilgrims had good knowledge regarding medication storage and the potential effect of inappropriate storage conditions on medications and health, inadequate knowledge and poor practice were identified among some. Level of education, having an underlying health condition and receiving health education on mediation storage were independently associated with good knowledge. Most pilgrims took their medications with them during Hajj, although storage and handling of their medication also varied depending on the stages of their Hajj pilgrimage journey. Improving Hajj pilgrims' awareness and knowledge about appropriate storage and handling of their medications are beneficial in reducing the risk of associated adverse health outcomes, both during Hajj and beyond the mass gathering.

Relationship of health literacy and adherence to oral anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study

Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) has increased substantially due to the aging population and prevalence rise of atrial fibrillation (AF). Medication adherence is important to achieve effectiveness and safety of OAT. The study aim was to investigate the relationship between health literary (HL) and the adherence to OAT in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a public cardiology clinic in Brazil, 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by the review of medical records and interviews with patients. The relation between health literacy (HL) and adherence to OAT was investigated by a multiple logistic regression model. Overall, 100 AF patients were included in this study, with average age of 68.8 ± 13.8 years and predominance of women (54 %). Inadequate HL was found in 79 % of the patients and non-adherence was identified in 66 % of the participants. Sex was the only variable with a statistically significant association with non-adherence to OAT. Men presented a 2.54-fold greater chance of non-adherence to OAT, when compared to the women (Odds ratio (OR) = 2.54; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.03-6.62; p = 0.047). No statistically significant relationship was found between inadequate HL and non-adherence to OAT (OR 1.48; 95 % CI, 0.47-4.61; p = 0.49). High rates of inadequate HL and non-adherence to OAT were identified in this study; however, this relationship did not prove to be statistically significant. Further studies are needed to investigate factors associated with non-adherence to OAT in large samples of vulnerable populations and strategies for its improvement in public health.

Adherence to the oral contraceptive pill: the roles of health literacy and knowledge

OBJECTIVE

The oral contraceptive pill is the most widely used method of contraception and when adhered to perfectly is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, adherence to the pill is relatively low. Knowledge has shown to be important in continuation of the pill, and previous research shows the importance of health literacy in adhering to medication in chronic illnesses, but its role has yet to be explored in this behavior.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between health literacy, knowledge of the pill and adherence, as well as the predictive ability of these two variables and their interaction, in predicting adherence. Recruited through CloudResearch, 193 women (M age = 32.63 years, SD = 5.98) residing in the United States completed the Health Literacy Skills Instrument - Short Form, a previously validated measure of oral contraceptive pill knowledge and the Medication Adherence Report Scale.

RESULTS

Results showed a strong positive correlation between health literacy and adherence (r = .76) and moderate associations between health literacy and knowledge (r = .42), and knowledge and adherence (r = .42). The final model of the hierarchical multiple regression accounted for 59.8% of variance in adherence, with health literacy (β = .69) and length of time taking the pill (β = .13) the only significant predictors of adherence.

CONCLUSION

Family planning clinics should consider assessing the patient's health literacy skills before prescribing the pill to ensure patients fully understand the requirements.

Knowledge of stroke and medication adherence among patients with recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack in Indonesia: a multi-center, cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is a limited data in Indonesia regarding the stroke knowledge and medication adherence among stroke survivors.ObjectiveTo assess the level of stroke knowledge and medication adherence along with their relationship among stroke survivors.SettingTwo tertiary-care hospitals in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 stroke survivors. Stroke Knowledge Test and the Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale questionnaires were used to evaluate stroke knowledge and medication adherence, respectively. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the rela tionship between stroke knowledge and medication adherence. Main outcome measuresRelationship between stroke knowledge and medication adherence.ResultsA total of 215 patients with mean age of 56.34 ± 8.69 years were recruited into this study. Mean Stroke Knowledge Test score was 7.89 ± 3.38 with 76.7% had low level of stroke knowledge. Mean Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale was 3.05 ± 1.11 with 52.1% had low to medium medication adherence. Education and duration of stroke correlated with stroke knowledge level (Spearman's correlation coefficient: 0.307, p = 0.001 and 0.128, p = 0.041, respectively). Age and disability correlated with medication adherence (Spearman's correlation coefficient: 0.169; p = 0.013 and 0.171; p = 0.012), respectively. After adjustment for covariates, stroke knowledge level was independently associated with medication adherence (adjusted OR: 4.37, 95% CI 2.00-9.53; p < 0.001).ConclusionStroke knowledge was low among Indonesian stroke survivors and independently related to medication adherence. Attempts should be made to increase stroke knowledge which may improve medication adherence among stroke survivors.

The Quality of Advice Provided by Pharmacists to Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Mystery Shopper Study

Pharmacists report being less confident in their knowledge of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) than of vitamin K antagonists, which may influence their ability to detect and manage complications arising from DOAC use. In a mystery shopper study, patient agents were sent into community pharmacies with symptom or product-related requests related to common complications that might arise during treatment with oral anticoagulants, with each visit being assessed for the preferred outcome. Only 10/41 (24.4%) visits resulted in the preferred outcome. A complete history-taking process, obtaining a medical history, patient characteristics and pharmacist involvement were strong predictors of the preferred outcome being achieved. The preferred outcome was not consistently achieved without pharmacist involvement. The potential for strategies that support comprehensive pharmacist involvement in over-the-counter requests should be considered to ensure the provision of optimal care to patients taking high-risk medications such as DOACs.

Assessment of Outpatients' Knowledge and Adherence on Warfarin: The Impact of a Simple Educational Pamphlet

Warfarin is a critical medication that is broadly used for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disorders. Due to warfarin’s narrow therapeutic index, it is crucial that patients follow an appropriate dosage regimen. Patient knowledge is one of the most important factors to safe and effective use of warfarin. Due to the obvious risks of anticoagulants administration, evaluating patients’ awareness seems to be crucial. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the effects of intervention by an informative pamphlet on knowledge and adherence of patients who consumed warfarin. Two-hundred and fifty patients receiving warfarin were assigned to the study. They were asked to fill in the questionnaire. Then patients were provided with an educational pamphlet. In the second interview, patients filled the questionnaire again. Obtained data were assessed and analyzed by Excel software and SPSS version 18.0. Out of 250 patients who entered the study, 150 patients attended for the second interview. Data analysis revealed that out of 13 explanatory factors, only patients’ literacy level and income were the predictors which inversely correlated with the patients’ adherence (r = -0.44; p = 0.00040). Our educational intervention had a positive impact on patients’ knowledge regarding anticoagulation (p < 0.0001). Our findings revealed that a written informative pamphlet could effectively increase patients’ anticoagulation knowledge. Since, poorly literate patients had a lesser level of knowledge before and after educational intervention, it is recommended to develop appropriate educational programs especially designed for this group of patients.

Conventional and Complementary Healthcare Utilization Among US Adults With Cardiovascular Disease or Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Nationally Representative Survey

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors need guideline‐oriented treatment to provide the best benefit for patients. These guidelines include recommendations for regular checkups, realized by general medical practitioners. In addition, individuals with CVD or CVD risk factors tend to use complementary methods for their condition. There is limited information on the association between complementary healthcare utilization and the adherence to recommended conventional health care.

Methods and Results

In this cross‐sectional analysis of the nationally representative 2017 National Health Interview Survey (n=26 742; response rate 80.7%) we examined the prevalence of conventional and complementary healthcare utilization within the past 12 months in individuals with CVD and/or CVD risk factors and the interactions between the two categories of health care. Of all participants, 38.1% reported risk factors for CVD and 11.4% a CVD diagnosis (groups show an overlap). Overall prevalence of visits to conventional and complementary medicine providers and the use of mind–body medicine was high within the population analyzed. Individuals with CVD and/or CVD risk factors using complementary health care were as likely or more likely to consult general practitioners (CVD: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.17; 95% CI, 0.93–1.47; CVD risk: aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.39) and medical specialists (CVD: aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17–1.64; CVD risk: aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.28–1.58) than those not using complementary health care. Those using complementary health care were as likely to adhere to medical checkup as those not using complementary health care.

Conclusions

Complementary healthcare utilization use was not associated with a reduced adherence to conventional health care and recommended checkups. The potential positive association of complementary and conventional healthcare utilization needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Patient Knowledge about Oral Anticoagulation Therapy Assessed during an Intermediate Medication Review in Swiss Community Pharmacies

Background: Therapy with oral anticoagulation (OAC) can be challenging, especially in high risk groups such as chronic patients. Gaps in patient knowledge about OAC are linked to reduced effectiveness and safety of treatment. The objectives of this study were i) to assess OAC knowledge gathered during an intermediate medication review (MR) in patients taking vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC); ii) to assess OAC knowledge two weeks after the MR, and iii) to evaluate patient satisfaction with the MR service in community pharmacies. Methods: Chronic OAC patients were invited for a regular MR service in Swiss community pharmacies, the so-called “Polymedication-Check” (PMC). OAC knowledge was assessed with seven newly generated items asked face-to-face during a PMC and by telephone two weeks later. Knowledge gaps, pharmacists’ spontaneous interventions, and patient satisfaction were documented by observing pharmacy students. Treatment groups were compared. Results: Of all patients (n = 81), the number of patients with one or more knowledge gaps decreased from 66% to 31.3% after PMC (p < 0.001). NOAC patients (n = 31) had more knowledge gaps than VKA patients (n = 50; p < 0.05). Most patients (98.6%) were satisfied with the counselling provided by the pharmacists. Conclusion: The majority of chronic OAC patients shows knowledge gaps. Although spontaneous, the provision of tailored education during a PMC increased patient OAC knowledge.

Determinants of health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional investigation in physician-managed anticoagulated patients using vitamin K antagonists

BACKGROUND

Literature has paid little attention in describing the specific contribution of each modifiable and non-modifiable characteristics on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in physician-managed anticoagulated patients using vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). To describe how patients' treatment-specific knowledge, health literacy, treatment beliefs, clinical, and socio-demographic characteristics influence HRQoL in Italian physician-managed anticoagulated patients using VKAs.

METHODS

Cross-sectional multicentre study with a consecutive sampling strategy, enrolling 164 long-term anticoagulated patients. Clinical and socio-demographic characteristics were collected from electronic medical records. Valid and reliable questionnaires were used to collect patients' treatment-specific knowledge, health literacy, beliefs about VKAs, physical and health perceptions.

RESULTS

Obtaining and understanding health information (i.e., communicative health literacy) positively predicts both adequate mental (OR_adjusted = 10.9; 95%CI = 1.99-19.10) and physical (OR_adjusted = 11.54; 95%CI = 1.99-34.45) health perceptions. Conversely, the ability to perform proper health decision making (i.e., critical health literacy) was associated with lower rates of adequate mental health perception (OR_adjusted = 0.13; 95%CI = 0.03-0.63). Further, age negatively predicted physical health perception (OR_adjusted = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.81-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Health literacy plays an interesting role in predicting HRQoL. The relationship between critical health literacy and mental health perception could be influenced by some psychological variables, such as distress and frustration, which could be present in patients with higher levels of critical health literacy, as they could be more inclined for self-monitoring. For this reason, future research are needed to identify the most suitable patients' profile for each OAC-management model, by longitudinally describing the predictive performance of each modifiable and non-modifiable determinant of HRQoL.

Adherence to Cardiac Medications in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Non-adherence to medications is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), increasing the risk of stroke, co-morbidities, and AF symptoms. Understanding factors influencing medication adherence is important in providing holistic care to patients with AF. This study aimed to explore medication adherence in patients with AF, and explore associations with health literacy, cognition, or AF knowledge.

METHODS

A single-centre pilot study, using survey questionnaires and open questions. Patients with a primary cardiac diagnosis, with AF as primary or secondary diagnosis, were eligible for recruitment. During hospitalisation, adherence to cardiac medications was assessed using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Health literacy, cognition, and AF knowledge were assessed through validated questionnaires. Facilitators and barriers for medication adherence were obtained through open-ended question and coded using a content analysis approach.

RESULTS

Fifty-four (54) patients were recruited (61% male, mean age 71±11). Twenty-two (22) participants (41%) were classified as non-adherent using the BAASIS; with a corresponding self-reported adherence of 87.7% in non-adherent participants compared to 97.8% in adherent participants. No associations were identified between medication adherence and cognition, health literacy, or AF knowledge. Facilitators for adherence included external assistance, routines, and medication knowledge, and these were reported by both adherent and non-adherent participants. Non-adherent participants reported more barriers including medication concerns, forgetfulness, and lifestyle factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Large numbers of AF patients are likely to be non-adherent to medications. Medication adherence is influenced by multiple factors, individual to each patient. Diverse strategies are required to ensure adherence to cardiac medications.

Evaluation of a program of pharmaceutical counseling for French patients on oral anticoagulant therapy

Background Oral anticoagulants are widely used for treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases. We set up a pharmaceutical counseling program for both direct oral anticoagulant and vitamin K antagonist drugs in our hospital in 2015. Objective Evaluate patient satisfaction and the evolution of their knowledge throughout the pharmaceutical counseling program on anticoagulants and identify knowledge variability factors. Setting Cardiology Inpatient Unit from the University Antoine Béclère Hospital, France. Methods Evaluation was based on data collection of patients surveyed between 2015 and 2018. Inpatients in the cardiology department on oral anticoagulants were eligible. The learning process was designed to enhance patient knowledge and understanding based on 10 cognitive or self-management skills, relating to the optimization of oral anticoagulant therapy management. It consisted in 2 face-to-face interviews during hospitalization and 2 additional phone interviews one and six months after discharge. The median patient score was evaluated at each step of the process as well as the mean score for each item from the global population. A sub-analysis was run on the less well-acquired skills in order to identify risk factors for limited knowledge. The association between those factors and the level of knowledge (score ≥ 7 or < 7) was assessed using Chi square test followed by multivariate analysis. Main outcome measure Patient knowledge of anticoagulation therapy depending on specific factors. Results Of the 880 patients eligible for pharmaceutical counseling, 319 entered the process and 102 completed it. Median knowledge scores were 8/10 and 9/10 after the first and the final interviews respectively with a significant improvement (p = 0.0003). The least well-acquired items at each step were surveillance and under-dosing management. The sub-analysis showed the use of vitamin K antagonist to be linked to an enhanced understanding related to treatment surveillance (p = 0.029). Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation were found to have a worse understanding of under-dosing management (p = 0.013). Finally, patients evaluated the process as helpful and suitable for their conditions. Conclusion Pharmaceutical counseling is appropriate for patients, improving and maintaining knowledge of oral anticoagulants. Our evaluation highlights the need to focus on patient-specific profiles to reach a satisfactory level of knowledge.

Cognitive Impairment Is Independently Associated with Non-Adherence to Antithrombotic Therapy in Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) patients could reduce their risk of stroke by using oral antithrombotic therapy. However, many older people with AF experience cognitive impairment and have limited health literacy, which can lead to non-adherence to antithrombotic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the influence of cognitive impairment and health literacy on non-adherence to antithrombotic therapy. The study performed a secondary analysis of baseline data from a cross-sectional survey of AF patients’ self-care behaviors at a tertiary university hospital in 2018. Data were collected from a total of 277 AF patients aged 65 years and older, through self-reported questionnaires administered by face-to-face interviews. Approximately 50.2% of patients were non-adherent to antithrombotic therapy. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that cognitive impairment independently increased the risk of non-adherence to antithrombotic therapy (odds ratio = 2.628, 95% confidence interval = 1.424–4.848) after adjustment for confounding factors. However, health literacy was not associated with non-adherence to antithrombotic therapy. Cognitive impairment is a significant risk factor for poor adherence to antithrombotic therapy. Thus, health professionals should periodically assess both cognitive function after AF diagnosis and adherence to medication in older patients. Further studies are needed to identify the factors that affect cognitive decline and non-adherence among AF patients.

Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use With Adherence to Prescribed Western Rheumatic Medications Among Chinese American Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey

OBJECTIVE

Chinese Americans are a fast-growing immigrant group with worse rheumatic disease outcomes compared to white populations and frequently use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Whether TCM use is associated with lower adherence to Western rheumatic medications is unknown. The present study was undertaken to examine adherence to Western medications for systemic rheumatic diseases in the Chinese American immigrant population and its association with TCM use.

METHODS

Chinese Americans actively treated for a systemic rheumatic disease were recruited from 2 Chinatown clinics. Sociodemographic, TCM use, and clinical data were gathered. Self-reported health status was assessed using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System short forms. Adherence was stratified using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Factors independently associated with high adherence were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 230 subjects, the median age was 55 years (range 20-97 years), 65% were female, 71% had a high school education or less, 70% were enrolled in Medicaid, and 22% reported fluency in English. The most common rheumatic diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (41%), systemic lupus erythematosus (17%), and seronegative spondyloarthropathies (15%). One-half reported TCM use in the past year, and 28% reported high adherence to Western rheumatic medications. In multivariable analysis, high adherence was associated with TCM use (odds ratio [OR] 3.96, P < 0.001), being married (OR 3.69, P = 0.004), medication regimen complexity (OR 1.13, P = 0.004), and older age (OR 1.06, P < 0.001), and was negatively associated with anxiety (OR 0.94, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

While adherence to Western rheumatic medications was low in this cohort, interestingly, it was higher among TCM users compared to nonusers. TCM use appears to represent a complementary rather than an alternate approach to disease management for these patients. Future studies should evaluate whether TCM use is associated with better disease outcomes.

Mind the gap: Deficits in fundamental disease-specific knowledge in atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Patient success with atrial fibrillation (AF) requires adequate health literacy to understand the disease and rationale for treatment. We hypothesized that individuals receiving treatment for AF would have increased knowledge about AF and that such knowledge would be modified by education and income.

METHODS

We enrolled adults with AF receiving anticoagulation at ambulatory clinic sites. Participants responded to survey items encompassing the definitions of AF and stroke, the rationale for anticoagulation, and an estimation of their annual stroke risk. We examined responses in relation to household income and education in multivariable-adjusted models.

RESULTS

We enrolled 339 individuals (age 72.0 ± 10.1; 43% women) with predominantly lower annual income ($20-49,999, n = 99, 29.2%) and a range of educational attainment (high school or vocational, n = 117, 34.5%). Participants demonstrated moderate AF knowledge (1.7 ± 0.6; range 0-2) but limited knowledge about anticoagulation (1.3 ± 0.7; range 0-3) or stroke (1.5 ± 0.8; range 0-3). Income was not associated with improvement in AF (P = 0.32 for trend), anticoagulation (P = 0.27) or stroke knowledge (P = 0.26). Individuals with bachelor or graduate degree had greater AF (1.8 ± 0.5) and stroke (1.6 ± 0.8) knowledge relative to those with high school or vocational training (1.4 ± 0.7 and 1.2 ± 0.9; P ≪ 0.01, both estimates). Education was not associated with understanding the rationale for anticoagulation. Most participants (230, 68%) estimated their annual stroke risk as ≥15%.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified consistent, fundamental gaps in disease-specific knowledge in a cohort of adults receiving treatment for non-valvular AF. Improved patient understanding of this complex and chronic disease may enhance shared decision making, patient engagement, anticoagulation adherence, and clinical outcomes in AF.

The impact of nurse-led atrial fibrillation clinics on patient and healthcare outcomes: a systematic mixed studies review

Background:

Atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia worldwide, continues to increase as the population ages. Patients with atrial fibrillation, particularly those newly diagnosed or who have multiple comorbidities, have high healthcare utilisation rates. Nurse-led atrial fibrillation clinics have developed to improve care and guidance for atrial fibrillation patients, with the potential to reduce hospital presentations and healthcare utilisation. Atrial fibrillation clinics that provide specialised and patient-centred care have improved patient symptom management, quality of life and reduced healthcare utilisation and costs.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to provide the first synthesis of evidence for the impact of nurse-led atrial fibrillation clinics on patient, healthcare utilisation, and quality of care outcomes.

Methods:

This systematic mixed studies review examined citations from three databases: Medline, CINAHL and Embase, using the search terms ‘atrial fibrillation’ and ‘clinic’, and related concepts. Seventeen moderate to high quality articles were selected.

Results:

Overall, atrial fibrillation clinics were more cost effective, had shorter wait times and reduced hospitalisation and emergency department visits. Symptoms and sinus rhythm restoration were comparable in the nurse-led compared to physician-led cardioversion clinics. Findings related to patient knowledge and patient satisfaction were mixed, while mortality rates were lower, and patient medication adherence was higher in nurse-led atrial fibrillation compared to usual care. Quality of life and guideline adherence was increased in patients receiving nurse-led atrial fibrillation care compared to usual care.

Conclusion:

Nurse-led clinics improved healthcare, patient and quality care outcomes. Future research might examine the role of technology in delivery of nurse-led clinics in rural/remote areas as well as patient experiences with nurse-led clinics.

Reducing Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation: Adherence to Guidelines Has Improved, but Patient Persistence with Anticoagulant Therapy Remains Suboptimal

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant risk factor for avoidable stroke. Among high-risk patients with AF, stroke risk can be mitigated using oral anticoagulants (OACs), however reduction is largely contingent on physician prescription and patient persistence with OAC therapy. Over the past decade significant advances have occurred, with revisions to clinical practice guidelines relating to management of stroke risk in AF in several countries, and the introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist OACs (NOACs). This paper summarises the evolving body of research examining guideline-based clinician prescription over the past decade, and patient-level factors associated with OAC persistence. The review shows clinicians' management over the past decade has increasingly reflected guideline recommendations, with an increasing proportion of high-risk patients receiving OACs, driven by an upswing in NOACs. However, a treatment gap remains, as 25–35% of high-risk patients still do not receive OAC treatment, with great variation between countries. Reduction in stroke risk directly relates to level of OAC prescription and therapy persistence. Persistence and adherence to OAC thromboprophylaxis remains an ongoing issue, with 2-year persistence as low as 50%, again with wide variation between countries and practice settings. Multiple patient-level factors contribute to poor persistence, in addition to concerns about bleeding. Considered review of individual patient's factors and circumstances will assist clinicians to implement appropriate strategies to address poor persistence. This review highlights the interplay of both clinician's awareness of guideline recommendations and understanding of individual patient-level factors which impact adherence and persistence, which are required to reduce the incidence of preventable stroke attributable to AF.

Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool (AKT): Further evidence of validity in the Italian population

INTRODUCTION

Oral Anticoagulation therapy (OAC) is highly effective in the management of thromboembolic disorders. An adequate level of knowledge is important for self-management and optimizing clinical outcomes. The Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool (AKT) was developed to assess OAC knowledge and caters for both patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants or vitamin K antagonist (VKA). However, evidence regarding its psychometric proprieties, validity and reliability are unavailable in non-English speaking settings. For this reason, the aim of this study is to provide further evidence of validity for AKT and also developing an Italian AKT version (I-AKT) supported by evidence of validity and reliability.

METHODS

A multiphase study was conducted which included the following: cultural and linguistic validity; i.e. content validity; construct validity; reliability assessment. The Construct validity was performed using the contrasted group approach using three groups comprised of health care providers, patients and the general public. Furthermore, Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM) was performed to confirm the mono-dimensional structure of the items in the AKT.

RESULTS

In construct validity phase 334 participants were enrolled. One-way ANOVA and post hoc analysis test demonstrated significant differences between the means knowledge scores of the three groups: 30.42±3.04 vs 23.45± 4.57 vs14.32±6.07 (Statistic F = 266.83; p < .001). ESEM analysis demonstrates the I-AKT mono-dimensionally structure with an explained variance of 56.42%. The scale also showed both good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.896) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.855).

CONCLUSION

This study developed and validated I-AKT with supporting evidence for validity and reliability. The study also confirms the mono-dimensional of the items in the AKT. This suggest that the instrument can be useful in non-English setting for knowledge assessment and in potentially developing patient education materials.

Anticoagulation knowledge in patients with atrial fibrillation: An Australian survey

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia in clinical practice, and is associated with a significant medical and economic burden. Anticoagulants reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism by approximately two-thirds compared with no therapy. Knowledge regarding anticoagulant therapy can influence treatment outcomes in patients with AF.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the level of anticoagulation knowledge in patients with AF taking oral anticoagulants (OACs), investigate the association between patient-related factors and anticoagulation knowledge, and compare these results in patients taking warfarin and direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOACs).

METHODS

Participants were recruited for an online survey via Facebook. Survey components included the Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool, the Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaires (assessing treatment expectations, convenience and satisfaction), a modified Cancer Information Overload scale and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Treatment groups were compared and predictors of OAC knowledge were identified.

RESULTS

Participants taking warfarin had a higher knowledge score compared with those taking DOACs (n = 386, 73% ± 13% vs 66% ± 14%, P<.001). Advancing age, type of OAC, health information overload and ease of OAC use (treatment expectation) were significant predictors of knowledge. Treatment expectation, including the belief that OAC treatment would cause bleeding side effects, varied significantly between participants taking warfarin and DOACs (P = .011).

CONCLUSION

The study identified knowledge gaps in patients taking OACs, and these deficiencies appeared to be greater in participants taking DOACs. Knowledge assessment should be integrated into patient counselling sessions to help identify and resolve knowledge deficits.