Advanced practice nurses transitional care promotes anti- coagulation therapy of warfarin in atrial fibrillation patients in South China

Background Advanced practice nurse transitional care has been proofed to be important for older adults with chronic conditions. However, such effectiveness has never been studied in the management of appropriate Warfarin use in clinical practice. Methods A total of 97 patients were randomly distributed into control group who received usual care, and interventional group who received transitional care provided by APNs. A12-month observation of both groups were recorded by physicians and APNs and the impact of APNs on the managing of Warfarin therapy was also evaluated based on time in the therapeutic range(TTR). Results AP Ns transitional care significantly(P 0.01) improved patients' adherence, increased TTR and high TTR ratio compared with control group. Re-admission due to stroke was significantly(P 0.01) reduced by APNs transitional care. Conclusion APNs transitional care improves patients' knowledge on AF and reduces stroke risk. The current research strongly suggest the necessity of APNs transitional interventional in managing anticoagulation therapy in AF patients in China.