Educating Patients on Warfarin, One Game at a Time

​Patients receiving warfarin will often need to continue taking it after discharge from the hospital, and some may require warfarin therapy for a long time. It is important that patients receive education about the drug while they are in the hospital so they can manage their therapy properly at home. Patients who are knowledgeable about their medication therapy can help to reduce the risk of adverse drug events. Education should begin with the patient’s first dose of warfarin, and all patient education needs regular reinforcement.

Tips

·        Educate patients as well as their family members or other people who live with the patients or assist with their care.

·        Use patient-directed dosing as a way to ensure that patients understand what they are taught about managing their warfarin therapy.

·        Continue education on an outpatient basis through a clinic or dosing service.

·        Use innovative tools, such as games and apps, to reach your patients post discharge.

o   Cardiac Island, from mHealth Games reinforces important objectives for patients taking Coumadin. Click the picture below to play.

Cardiac Island

Join Captain Jack on a race for treasure around Cardiac Island! Test your knowledge of Coumadin (Warfarin) and unlock treasures of health and wellness.