Warfarin use in the elderly: the nurses' perspective.

OBJECTIVE To explore the barriers to warfarin use from the perspective of nurses working in aged care. DESIGN A qualitative study, involving a semi-structured group interview, during March-April 2001. SETTING AND SUBJECTS Eleven nurses, employed within the catchment of the Northern Sydney Area Health Service, who were involved in the care of elderly warfarinised patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Identification, via thematic analysis, of the main themes underpinning the nursing perspective on warfarin use in this setting, with regard to their perceived role/s, experiences with patients, and potential strategies for managing the therapy. RESULTS Five main themes were identified: perceived patient attitude toward warfarin; barriers to the use of warfarin; expressed lack of confidence in the processes involved; nurses' role in warfarin use; and strategies to improve warfarin use. Nurses were concerned about warfarin use in the elderly, but felt they had a limited capacity to intervene. CONCLUSION Nurses are potentially underutilised as a resource and support for both patients and prescribers, in the management of warfarin therapy.