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Health ProfessionalsSelf-Monitoring Resources
Identifying Consumers Minimize

The following checklist may be useful when considering if a consumer is a potential candidate for self-monitoring:

  • Do they have a long-term indication for warfarin?*
  • Are they interested in learning more about warfarin and monitoring their INR?
  • Do they have sufficient manual dexterity and eyesight to operate an INR monitor (or have a carer who is willing to do so for them)?

If the answer to the above questions is 'yes' then the consumer may be a potential candidate for self-monitoring.

*An indication for warfarin of 6 months or greater is necessary to participate in self-monitoring. Conditions which may require this duration of anticoagulation include prosthetic heart valves, atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.  Unfortunately patients with antiphospholipid syndrome are unable to self monitor their therapy as the point of care device is unable to produce accurate results in this condition.
 
Consumer Training Minimize

The following resources are available and may be useful in assisting to train a consumer to self-monitor:

  • A checklist for points to cover during the training session. 
  • A training manual for consumers*
  • An assessment form to ensure the consumer is appropriately trained and safe to commence self-monitoring.

* The training manual for consumer self-monitoring is available to INR trained accredited pharmacists to assist them to train consumers in self-monitoring. If you have completed the appropriate training and require a copy of this resource, please email info@anticoagulation.com.au
 
 
Last Updated: 14 Oct 2009