What are the values and preferences of patients with AF regarding VKA therapy, risk of stroke, and risk of bleeding?
Patients with AF have a variety of values and preferences regarding VKA therapy, risk of stroke, and risk of bleeding. Patient preferences may be impacted by factors such as quality of life, overall health, risk tolerance, and cost. Research has shown that patients tend to prioritize avoiding stroke over avoiding bleeding when making decisions about anticoagulant therapy. Additionally, patients may be more willing to accept a higher risk of bleeding if there is a lower risk of stroke associated with their VKA therapy. Clinical prediction rules, such as C-statistic, NRI, and IDI, may be helpful in assessing a patient’s risk of bleeding while on VKA therapy. Studies have also looked at the influence of patient preferences on treatment outcomes, and suggest that shared decision making between patients and healthcare providers may help to improve patient outcomes. 