SOS Rx

Warfarin Education Campaign Update

January 12, 2005

1) Overview  - This education campaign targets consumers taking warfarin in the outpatient setting, as well as those who prescribe and dispense these medications.   Campaign messages will, at a minimum, inform patients that other medications and substances they may be taking (prescription, OTCs, vitamins, and herbals as well as food) could interact with warfarin, and stress the importance of monitoring. 

2) Consumer Research 

a) Bearing Point conducting expert interviews and focus group.  Key questions will be used to inform the research – clarifying target audience, actions target audience should take, evidence that support knowledge/behavior change

b) Research Timetable  

i) Conduct interviews with experts/system stakeholder (pharmacists, general practitioners, family physicians, medical directors of health plans) – December 10 - January 18

ii) Advisory Group meeting to review preliminary expert interview findings and discuss focus groups – January 12

iii) Conduct two focus groups with patients taking warfarin – mid-February

iv) Conduct two focus groups with providers (one pharmacists, one other health care providers) – mid-February

v) Topline report of focus groups – end of February

vi) Discussion of topline report with advisory group – early March

vii) Final Report – March

3) Message Development - Advisory group from coalition will guide research, message development & campaign

            i) Formulating messages based on research

ii) Dissemination of messages – coalition partners

iii) Evaluation of campaign

4) Action Requested - Approval to move forward