Patient & Practitioner Perspectives on Medicines Optimisation of DOACs
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient and Practitioner Perspectives on Medicines Optimisation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) in Older Adults (≥65 years): A Qualitative Study
IRAS ID
229741
Contact name
Yeyenta Osasu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
152390, URMS (University of Sheffield)
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) thin the blood and can prevent a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). They include dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban. AF is a heart problem which makes the heart beat fast and unevenly could cause a stroke. All anticoagulants are high risk drugs because they can cause serious harm to the patient such as bleeding if not prescribed, consumed or monitored properly.
Though DOACS are effective at reducing stroke risk, they are not always prescribed. This puts elderly patients who already have other complex needs at a risk from further complication if they suffer a stroke. Also, if not consumed or monitored properly patients may suffer serious harm as a result of being on these drugs.
In this study, I will get information about how DOACs are prescribed, to whom they are prescribed and which ones in particular are usually prescribed. This will help me see if there are any differences across the city in the way GP practices prescribe and monitor patients who are on these drugs. Traditionally, most patients with AF are put on warfarin but as more patients are started on DOACs there is concern that they may not have regular contact with a healthcare professional and there may be missed opportunities to pick up when something is wrong.
Elderly patients over 65 years with AF will be interviewed to understand their experiences of being on these drugs. Healthcare practitioners including GPs and pharmacists will also be interviewed to understand their views and experiences of managing patients who take these drugs. The interviews will take place either over the phone, patients’ home, GP surgery or pharmacy and will last about 1 hour. This will allow a better understanding of the complex problems and help us provide safer care for elderly patients.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0697
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion