Hospitalization attributable to gastrointestinal and other major bleeding is frequently associated with acenocoumarol treatment.
Aims: To assess the level of knowledge among patients in respect to harmful adverse effects, interactions with medication and nutrition regarding acenocoumarol treatment.
Methods: Questionnaires consisting of 66 questions were completed in offices of family doctors (77), and during consultations at the 3rd Department of Internal Medicine (80).
Results: 157 patients (male:female=45:55; age=65.5 years) were involved. In the group informed by the whole team (doctors, nurses and dietitians) everyone heard about the possible adverse effects. In the group where family doctors or other specialists provided information, 14.5% or 31.1% did not hear about any side-effect. The importance of diet was unknown by 71.4% of the patients. The knowledge of interactions between acenocoumarol and other medications is low: aspirin was known by 24.4%, analgetics by 23.0% and vitamin K by 18.6% of the patient.
Conclusions: Regarding acenocoumarol treatment, patients' knowledge should be enlarged. However, it can be significantly improved by the contribution of other team members such as nurses and dietitians.