Optimising anticoagulant education in the paediatric setting using a validated model of education.

Patient Educ Couns · 2008

other · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Providing education to patients requiring anticoagulant therapy may be associated with improved outcomes. This study investigated the knowledge outcomes of a validated educational intervention. METHODS: Parents of children with congenital heart disease requiring warfarin therapy took part in an educational intervention. Warfarin knowledge was assessed prior to commencing the program, immediately following its completion and 6 months following completion. RESULTS: Parents demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their warfarin knowledge immediately following completion of the program (p < 0.0001), with this improvement being sustained over time. CONCLUSION: Current approaches to educating parents of children requiring warfarin therapy are likely suboptimal. Using a validated model of education may be associated with improved knowledge outcomes for patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Consideration to the processes used in delivering patient education may result in improved patient knowledge outcomes.