NOAC therapy: perspectives and adherence amongst AF patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating patients’ perspectives towards and use of Non Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) for atrial fibrillation: a mixed methods PhD study
IRAS ID
180793
Contact name
Meredith Hawking
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London Joint Research Management Office
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background: It is known that patients do not always follow the instructions when taking prescribed medications. When taking anticoagulants, if patients do not follow their prescription this can be an issue because it can increase the risk of stroke. Non-Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are a new type of anticoagulant that are prescribed to patients diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) to prevent stroke. For patients taking NOAC therapy, following the dosage regime is particularly important, as the effect of a NOAC agent diminishes rapidly 12-24 hours after it has been taken (Di Minno et al., 2014). It is therefore a research priority to assess patients’ medication taking behaviour in relation to NOACs to ensure these new drugs are providing the desired health benefits and to understand any potential barriers for patients who use these drugs. This will help inform the development of an intervention to optimise health outcomes amongst these patients.
Aim: To investigate patient behaviour and views towards non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), in order to inform the development and testing of an intervention to improve anticoagulation treatment amongst patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods: We will undertake a two part study: part one will be an investigation of patients’ views towards atrial fibrillation by interviewing patients, and part two will be a follow up study to investigate patient behaviour when taking NOACs. The follow up study will involve surveying patients over the phone at intervals over 6 months and asking a group of these patients to take part in a more detailed face to face interview.
Project Results and Dissemination: The findings from the study will be used to inform the development of an intervention to improve patients’ experience of NOAC therapy and, if necessary, to help support patients to improve their use of anticoagulation treatment.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0884
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion