Transforming Patient Lives with INR Self-Testing

• INR self-testing gives patients greater control over their health and reduces anxiety during critical situations
• Patients experience better quality of life by monitoring their health on their own schedules, avoiding the hassle that comes with traditional clinic visits
• INR self-testing is a proactive approach that minimizes complications and helps patients on long-term or life-long anti-coagulation therapy

When it comes to truly patient-centered care, self-testing is at the heart of healthcare transformation. Empowering individuals to take control of their health, self-testing enhances convenience, autonomy, and overall quality of life. Today we highlight the experience of Truus Mommers, a vibrant 66-year-old from Venlo, Netherlands, whose story exemplifies the life-changing impact of INR self-testing on patients managing chronic coagulation conditions.¹

Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis two decades ago, Truus initially found the condition overwhelming. But then she found self-testing which quickly became a turning point in her journey. For patients like Truus, self-testing offers a sense of independence that traditional testing methods cannot match. It eliminates the need for frequent clinic visits, allowing patients with thrombosis to monitor their international normalized ratio (INR) levels at their own convenience. Truus highlights the freedom this provides, enabling her to manage her business and maintain an active social life.

Beyond convenience, INR self-testing fosters a greater sense of control. Truus can perform unscheduled tests when she feels it’s necessary, providing immediate clarity and reassurance. This proactive approach often leads to reduced anxiety.

Truus learned to self-dose her medication, a skill that has proven invaluable during emergencies. For instance, during a heavy nosebleed on holiday, Truus used her INR device to confirm her blood levels were stable, alleviating her concerns in minutes. Before self-testing, she would have panicked.

For Truus, there isn’t a single downside to INR self-testing, and her experience underscores the importance of equipping patients with tools and training for self-management. As she puts it, “For me, the feeling of control is the biggest advantage of self-testing.”¹

Traditional INR monitoring often involves logistical challenges, including frequent trips to thrombosis centers and waiting for dosage updates. INR self-testing addresses these pain points, offering:²

• Immediate Results: Patients can test and adjust their medication within minutes, avoiding delays associated with clinic visits.
• Greater Flexibility: Whether at home or on vacation, patients have the freedom to monitor their health anytime.
• Tailored Care: Patients with unstable INR values benefit significantly from frequent testing, which improves their condition management.

Introducing self-testing to new patients requires addressing common concerns, such as fear of technology or resistance to change. Truus shares how she encouraged a relative with Parkinson’s to adopt self-testing by involving her husband in the process. This collaborative approach helped them overcome any initial hesitation, highlighting the importance of personalized support. Three weeks later, they only wish they could have implemented self-testing sooner in the patient journey.

As self-testing continues to evolve, integrating technology will be key to its success. Patients like Truus suggest that an app syncing INR device results with online portals would simplify the process further. Such innovations could enhance accessibility and convenience, encouraging more widespread adoption.

INR self-testing is a testament to how healthcare innovations can empower patients and improve lives. By shifting control to individuals, it promotes autonomy, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall well-being. As more healthcare systems adopt all kinds of self-testing, stories like Truus Mommers’ serve as powerful reminders of its potential to transform patient care.