Most AF patients want to self-monitor

According to the atrial fibrillation (AF) patient survey, performed by the AF Association, the majority of patients currently on a vitamin K antagonist, such as warfarin, would consider self-monitoring to give them freedom from clinic visits.

The announcement of these survey results coincides with the launch of the next generation of INR patient self-monitoring (PSM) meter from Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland. The CoaguChek INRange meter allows patients to send their results to the clinic via an app on their phone using wireless connectivity, thereby reducing the number of clinic visits required. Additionally, reminders can be set up on the meter to ensure patients are aware when they need to take medication and clinicians can add comments to specific results — that are displayed in graphs — which allows patients to see how their results fall within their target therapeutic range.

“The results of the survey showed that nearly 80% of patients would want to self-monitor, giving them independence when travelling for work or pleasure. This innovation helps to empower patients to take control of their therapy and reduce the number of clinic visits that they have to make, saving both time and money,” said Trudie Lobban, MBE, founder and CEO of the AF Association. “The AF Association welcomes the launch of the INRange meter that can be a sustainable solution to the needs of patients on warfarin. OF patients surveyed who currently do not self-monitor, 86% said that they would consider doing so.”

It has been demonstrated in several previous trials that for patients on long-term warfarin treatment, self-monitoring can improve time in therapeutic range and lead to better outcomes. The new meter provides immediate feedback on results to show whether they are in target range, which offers the patient reassurance.

“Our new meter helps encourage healthcare professional and patient dialogue, using apps available to link the results directly to the clinic,” noted Pierre Hazelwood, director of Point of Care. “Reminders can be setup for important events such as when to test, take medication or next doctor’s appointment.”