The countdown has started to the launch of a new campaign aimed at giving long-term warfarin patients greater choice in the management of their condition.
There are more than 1.2 million people in the UK on warfarin of which less than two per cent benefit from self-monitoring, despite evidence that it can cut the risk of death by nearly two-fifths and more than halve the risk of strokes. The AntiCoagulation Self-Monitoring Alliance (ACSMA) is launching a new campaign with the specific objective of achieving greater access via prescription to INR self-monitoring technology for patients receiving warfarin therapy.The alliance is also seeking to raise awareness of the benefits of self-monitoring and aims to ensure that patients are equipped to have informed discussions with their healthcare professionals on this topic.
The campaing will launch in the House of Commons on 24th October 2012.
I suspect that the chances of this campaign succeeding in its declared goal are as close to zero as makes no difference due to the perceived econonmic consequences and the prejudice against self testing that exists in the majority of the medical profession. It is very worthwhile to proceed however to raise attention and get the debate more advanced. Those of us who do self test and know the issues know that the end effect for the health service is a big reduction in cost not only due to the direct cost saving for the NHS in not doing as much testing but also for the cost reduction consequences arising from better health management of those on warfarin. It can also be shown how the common view of many medics is uninformed prejudice and not logical or reasonable. It should also be emphasised and supported with facts that other nations where self testing is common, such as Germany and USA, show how much better and cheaper this approach is. Lets be realistic in our expectations to avoid being quickly discouraged but then go for it!
My thoughts as well, however if the cost of the equipment could be greatly reduced, to similar to that of a blood sugar monitor? the possibilities of it being nationally adopted would greatly improve. Where are the lower cost alternatives? is it just a case of user numbers?
I would love to self test, but the cost is prohibitive. I often wait weeks between tests (my INR is fairly stable) and would prefer the peace of mind of a more regular reading. lt's always at the back of my mind that something could be wrong and l wouldn't know. Please keep us all posted as to how we can support this campaign.
Thanks for your support. Once the campaign has launched we will need all the support we can get and there will be things that people can do to support and I will keep everyone up to date.
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