Table 3 Comparison of Patient Selection Methods in Prior Studies Examining Warfarin Utilization in AF Patients
Study Period | Author | Setting | Patient Selection for AF based on | Patient Population Size | Warfarin Utilization % | "Warfarin Candidates" not on Warfarin % | Method of determining Warfarin Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1995–1998 | Weisbord et al.13 | VA | Medical Chart review | 1289 | 65 | 3.5 | Medical Chart reviewed by physicians for documented contraindication |
1996–1997 | Go et al.11 | Large HMO | ICD-9-CM code | 13428 | 55 | 37.9 | Pharmacy database, Outpatient INR, ICD for "Coumadin Therapy" |
1997–1998 | McCormick et al.12 | Long term Care Facility | Medical Chart reviewed for EKG diagnosis or documentation by physician | 429 | 42 | 32 | Warfarin prescriptions, INR, Physician Notes |
2000–2002 | Waldo et al.9 | Teaching, community and VA hospitals | ICD-9-CM code | 945 | 54 | 22 | ICD-9 & Medical chart review |
2000–2005 | Darkow et al.7 | HMO | ICD-9-CM code | 12539 | 39 | 61 | Unable to obtain |
2001–2003 | Hylek et al.8 | Urban teaching hospital | Electronic medical chart review and ECG verified AF | 405 | 51 | 2 | Electronic medical chart review for physician cited reasons for warfain non-use |
2004–2005 | Our Study | Single Tertiary Care Hospital | Medical Chart review and physician confirmation of AF by EKG | 364 | 54 | 7.1 | Medical chart reviewed by physicians for documented contraindication |