Self-Learning, DVD-Based Education Versus Traditional Education Approaches to Improve the Safety of Warfarin Use Among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that requires extensive medical and pharmaceutical management. The coagulation antagonist warfarin is commonly prescribed to reduce AF-associated stroke. Although warfarin effectively mediates thromboembolitic risk, its management is complex as many factors influence its therapeutic range including: genetics, diet, medication, and herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) interactions. Lack of patient knowledge regarding these factors contributes to poor patient outcomes. With the emerging epidemic of AF, readily available educational tools are necessary to improve patient outcomes while reducing clinician burden. The purpose of this study was to develop both a self-learning, DVD-based and one-on-one education program to educate patients with atrial fibrillation about the risks of HDS-warfarin interactions and to compare education method efficacy in AF disease management. This study found patients lack knowledge regarding HDS-warfarin management, and both DVD-based and one-on-one education models could increase patient knowledge regarding HDS-warfarin factors. It is hypothesized this education method may be employed to further educate chronic disease populations about essential disease-associated factors to improve outcomes while reducing clinical burdens