A Decision-support Algorithm for Self-management of Anticoagulation Therapy Used in a Smartphone Application

Warfarin for anticoagulation therapy is used by patients with specific cardiovascular diseases to control the ability of blood clotting. Traditional ways for self-management of the therapy are based on paper forms and procedures. This paper presents an algorithm developed for the smartphone application “Warfarin Guide”, which is a computer-assisted decision-support system used to help patients with self-management of their anticoagulation therapy related to International Normalized Ratio (INR) values. The algorithm was based on clinical guidelines for Warfarin therapy and it was adapted for the software application to address challenges with regular INR checks and adjustments for temporary fluctuations. An evaluation study with 14 participants showed that the patients evaluated the Warfarin Guide as useful for self-management of anticoagulation therapy, even though some issues could be improved.