A systematic review of clinicians' views and experiences of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Generalova, Daria; Cunningham, Scott; Leslie, Stephen J.; Rushworth, Gordon F.; McIver, Laura; Stewart, Derek

Abstract

Introduction: While a plethora of systematic reviews have provided evidence of efficacy, effectiveness and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), there has been little emphasis on clinicians' perspectives. This systematic review aimed to critically appraise, synthesise and present the available evidence of clinicians' views and experiences. Methods: Studies published in English from January 2006 to July 2017 reporting the views and/or experiences of doctors, nurses or pharmacists on any individual DOAC or as a pharmacological group were included. Studies were assessed for quality by two researchers, data extracted and findings synthesised using a narrative approach. Results: Following exclusion of duplicates, 777 titles, 394 abstracts and 196 studies were screened. Ten studies were included in the review, nine of which were quantitative (cross-sectional surveys) and one qualitative (semi-structured interviews), with marked heterogeneity in outcomes reported. Studies were conducted exclusively in Europe and the United States. In those studies reporting clinician preference, DOACs were first choice over warfarin in na{uml}ive patients, based on perceptions of evidence of effectiveness equivalent or superior to warfarin and superior safety. Other advantageous factors were in those with an unstable INR and likely to miss appointments. There were, however, concerns relating to management of over-anticoagulation and experiences of observed bleeding rates. Conclusion: There is a limited evidence base of clinicians' perspectives of DOACs, necessitating further research, particularly given the trajectory of increased use worldwide.

Citation

GENERALOVA, D., CUNNINGHAM, S., LESLIE, S.J., RUSHWORTH, G.F., MCIVER, L. and STEWART, D. 2018. A systematic review of clinicians' views and experiences of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. British journal of clinical pharmacology [online], 84(12), pages 2692-2703. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13739

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Aug 6, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Aug 15, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2018
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 16, 2019
• Journal: British journal of clinical pharmacology
• Print ISSN: 0306-5251
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2125
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 84
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 2692-2703
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13739
• Keywords: Prescribing; Systematic review; Arrhythmia
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/3091
• Contract Date: Aug 23, 2018