Computer control of anticoagulant dose for therapeutic management.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To improve the standard of managing anticoagulant treatment and provide a basis for therapeutic quality control. DESIGN--Implementation of a comprehensive computerised system for decision support. SETTING--Three anticoagulation clinics in South Warwickshire. SUBJECTS--Patients in South Warwickshire receiving anticoagulant treatment from September 1988 to March 1989. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--International normalised ratio was measured and recorded at each visit. RESULTS--688 Patients' visits were analysed statistically, and a 38% improvement was achieved in the results of international normalised ratios falling within the recommended therapeutic ranges of the British Society for Haematology. CONCLUSIONS--The implementation of a computerised anticoagulation support system resulted in better management of patients. The system provides a basis for uniform management of treatment and a common platform for national or international trials.