EPISTAXIS IN ANTICOAGULATED PATIENTS - EDUCATING AN AT-RISK POPULATION

Epistaxis is a common problem amongst anticoagulated patients. Applica tion of first-aid principles can control the majority of bleeds. In ou r sample of 60 patients attending the anticoagulant clinic, 40% were u nable to think of a single measure that would be helpful in controllin g a nose bleed. 6 weeks after being given first-aid advice the proport ion of patients able to recall at least three first-aid principles had improved from 8% to 50%. First-aid education in this respect was well received and there was a good recall rate. Provision of advice verbal ly backed up by a printed sheet gave best rates of recall.