Barriers and enablers to adherence to anticoagulation in heart failure with atrial fibrillation: patient and provider perspectives.

Ferguson, Caleb and Inglis, Sally C and Newton, Phillip J and Middleton, Sandy and Macdonald, Peter S and Davidson, Patricia M (2017) Barriers and enablers to adherence to anticoagulation in heart failure with atrial fibrillation: patient and provider perspectives. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26 (23-24). pp.4325-4334. ISSN 1365-2702 (N/A)

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Link to published document: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13759

Abstract

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the barriers and enablers to adherence to anticoagulation in individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) from the perspective of patients and providers.

BACKGROUND

CHF and AF commonly coexist and are associated with increased stroke risk and mortality. Oral anticoagulation significantly reduces stroke risk and improves outcomes. Yet, in approximately 30% of cases anticoagulation is not commenced for a variety of reasons.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using narrative inquiry.

METHODS

Data from face to face individual interviews with patients and information retrieved from healthcare file note review documented the clinician perspective. This study is a synthesis of the two data sources, obtained during patient clinical assessments as part of the Atrial Fibrillation And Stroke Thromboprophylaxis in hEart failuRe (AFASTER) Study.

RESULTS

Patient choice and preference were important factors in anticoagulation decisions, including treatment burden, unfavourable or intolerable side effects and patient refusal. Financial barriers included cost of travel, medication cost and reimbursement. Psychological factors included psychiatric illness, cognitive impairment and depression. Social barriers included homelessness and the absence of a caregiver or lack of caregiver assistance. Clinician reticence included fear of falls, frailty, age, fear of bleeding and the challenges of multi-morbidity. Facilitators to successful prescription and adherence were caregiver support, reminders and routine, self-testing and the use of technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Many barriers remain to high risk individuals being prescribed anticoagulation for stroke prevention. There are a number of enabling factors that facilitate prescription and optimize treatment adherence. Nurses should challenge these treatment barriers and seek enabling factors to optimise therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Depositing User: Repository Administrator
Date Deposited: 14 Feb 2017 01:05
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2018 00:03
URI: https://eprints.victorchang.edu.au/id/eprint/543

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