Patients receiving warfarin in the hospital often need to continue taking it after discharge. Involving inpatients in their own care by having them administer their own doses provides an opportunity for patient education. It also lets patients verify doses, adding a layer of defense against adverse drug events.
Tips
- Encourage patient-directed warfarin administration only among patients who are both able and willing to administer their own medication.
- Implement a recording system that accurately captures information on patient-directed doses. Consider using patient-maintained medication administration records.
- Reassess patients regularly to ensure that their therapies or clinical conditions have not impaired their ability to administer their own medication.
