The effect of patient training about safe usage of warfarin on the level of patients' knowledge and the control of international normalized ratio

Aim:This study aimed to examine the effect of patients training about safe usage of warfarin on the level of knowledge and INR control. Material and Method:This research was conducted as randomized controlled pre-test and post-test experimental study. The sample of the study consisted of 63 patients using warfarin, including 33 experimental and 30 control group."Patient Identification Form","Warfarin Knowledge Assessment Form" and "Questionnaire on the Training Effectiveness" were used as data collection tools. The experimental group was given one to one training and patient education booklet. Patients' warfarin knowledge level was measured 1 time before training. As for after the training, it was measured 3 times in experimental group, and 2 times in control group. 6 INR results of patients' were recorded before and after training. Findings:Avarage score of experimental group patients' warfarin knowledge was found 14.267±4.651 before training, and 21,959±3.391 after training. Avarage score of control group patients' warfarin knowledge was found 14.181±6.350 before training, and 15.608±6.183 after training. There was found not a significant difference between the patients' groups in INR controls (p>0.05). There was not a significant correlation between pre and post training of patients' warfarin knowledge level and the number of INR values within the target range (p>0.05). Results:After training, warfarin knowledge score was found high level in experimental group, and moderate level in control group. Patient education is effective in increasing the patients' knowledge level of warfarin. There was not a significant correlation between patients'warfarin knowledge level and the number of INR values within the target range.