Quality of life assessment in children commencing home INR self-testing

摘要

Introduction Management of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) in children is complex and frequent testing of the International Normalised Ratio (INR) is a significant burden. This study evaluates the impact of a home INR self-testing (home ST) program on the quality of life (QoL) of children and their families. The aim of the study was to determine if participation in a home ST program improves QoL for children requiring long-term OAT and their families. Materials and Methods Children aged eight to 18 years requiring long-term OAT and parents of children participated. Quantitative methods comprised three validated QoL questionnaires; the anticoagulation specific PAC QL