Warfarin Use in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Ajay Srivastava, Michael Hudson, Ihab Hamoud, Joao Cavalcante, Chetan Pai, Scott Kaatz
Primary Institution: Henry Ford Hospital
Hypothesis
Are the rates of warfarin underutilization in patients with atrial fibrillation accurately assessed through chart reviews?
Conclusion
Only 7.1% of ideal candidates for warfarin therapy were not receiving it after detailed medical chart review.
Supporting Evidence
- 54.6% of patients received warfarin anticoagulation.
- 29.5% of patients had documented reasons for not prescribing warfarin.
- Only 7.1% of patients had no documented reasons for the lack of warfarin use.
Takeaway
Many patients who should be on warfarin aren't getting it, but when doctors check their charts, most have good reasons for not prescribing it.
Methodology
Medical records of 364 patients with atrial fibrillation were reviewed to assess warfarin use and contraindications.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on physician documentation for contraindications.
Limitations
The study was limited to a single center and relied on available medical record content.
Participant Demographics
Patients included were atrial fibrillation patients, with a notable percentage being elderly and African American.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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