Direct Oral Anticoagulants and the Patient-Reported Outcomes: Synthesis and Advances

Anticoagulation treatment with warfarin has been the gold standard of therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent stroke and for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. The development of direct oral anticoagulant agents over the past 10 years has created a shift in traditional management of these conditions. These new agents do not retain the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic challenges associated with warfarin and do not require intensive blood monitoring and dose adjustment. Analyzing patient-reported outcomes incorporating patient satisfaction, adherence, compliance, and health-related quality of life gives prescribers and clinical practitioners an understanding of the patient perspectives of using DOACs. This article will focus on the patient-reported outcomes related to the DOAC treatment.