Self-monitoring and self-management of oral anticoagulation

• Published in: Cochrane database of systematic reviews no. 4; p. CD003839
• Main Authors: Garcia-Alamino, Josep M, Ward, Alison M, Alonso-Coello, Pablo, Perera, Rafael, Bankhead, Clare, Fitzmaurice, David, Heneghan, Carl J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 14.04.2010
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Adult; Anticoagulants - administration & dosage; Cause of Death; Child; Hemorrhage - mortality; Hemorrhage - prevention & control; Humans; International Normalized Ratio; Point-of-Care Systems; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Self Care - methods; Thromboembolism - mortality; Thromboembolism - prevention & control

The introduction of portable monitors (point-of-care devices) for the management of patients on oral anticoagulation allows self-testing by the patient at home. Patients who self-test can either adjust their medication according to a pre-determined dose-INR schedule (self-management) or they can cal...