Anticoagulation patient self-monitoring

For consumers with a long-term indication for warfarin, patient self-monitoring (PSM) of warfarin therapy has emerged as the gold standard of care for those willing and able to perform it. The benefits of PSM have now been well established in several countries and include a greater proportion of time spent in the INR therapeutic range, a reduction in the number of haemorrhagic and thromboembolic events, reduced mortality, improved warfarin knowledge and improved quality of life. Portable INR monitors are readily available and are becoming less expensive and easier to use. Community pharmacists are well placed to promote and facilitate PSM for interested consumers, and provide support for those who are self-monitoring.