Patients' knowledge of their antivitamin K treatment

Vitamin K antagonists are currently the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulant in Tunisia. Despite the standardisation of clinical monitoring and a clearer definition of therapeutic targets, their side effects remain a common cause of hospitalisation. The aim of this study was to assess patients' knowledge of their vitamin K antagonist treatment and to propose a model of therapeutic education tailored to our patients. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study assessing patients' knowledge of their vitamin K antagonist treatment using a 14-item questionnaire administered during a semi-structured interview. One hundred patients were included, with a mean age of 61 ± 12 years and a sex ratio of 1.8. Eighty per cent of patients had more than five correct answers out of the eight knowledge items, whilst only 22 per cent had more than four correct answers out of the six skills items. Patients' knowledge of the management of vitamin K antagonists was insufficient to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment. The development of a tailored therapeutic education programme is therefore necessary.