Oral anticoagulation control: the European perspective.

We describe the results of a novel complete care package using point-of-care INR testing and computerized decision support for the management of oral anticoagulation by nurse-led primary care clinics in the United Kingdom. We found such therapy to be as safe and effective as traditional hospital-based care for oral anticoagulation in the UK as determined by adverse events or International Normalized Ratio (INR) time in range. We then review the literature as it pertains to the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of patient self-management with point-of-care INR testing at home and discuss the implications for such care in the UK.