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Table 4 Frequency of activities and average time used per element of work when tests are taken in the patient's home (n = 49).

From: Resource consumption and management associated with monitoring of warfarin treatment in primary health care in Sweden

Preparations

Average time used per element of work (minutes)

Range

Take out patient's details

2.1

0.0–7.0

Read up on patient

2.3

0.0–10.0

Go through test results

1.9

0.0–10.0

Prepare patient information

2.1

0.0–18.0

Contact patient prior to checkup

2.0

0.0–10.0

Travel to patient

13.7

1.5–45.0

Total time for preparations

23.9*

7.8–70.6

Home visit

Average time used per element of work (minutes)

Range

Discussion with patient on warfarin treatment incl. info to patient

4.8

0.0–42.0

Discussion with patient on social implications

10.5

3.0–30.0

Take blood sample

4.8

1.0–20.0

Label and pack blood sample

3.2

0.1–15.0

Total time for home visit

23.4*

7.1–76.5

Follow-up

Average time used per element of work (minutes)

Range

Travel from patient

14.1

1.5–50.0

Delivery of blood sample to lab.

7.8

0.0–60.0

Receive test results and new prescription

4.6

0.0–20.0

Complete patient notes in computer

3.6

0.0–10.0

Complete written patient notes

0.5

0.0–5.0

Telephone patient regarding new prescription etc.

1.3

0.0–5.0

Write reply letter to patient

0.0

0.0–1.5

Travel to and from patient again

4.8

0.0–36.0

Personally inform patient of new prescription etc.

1.6

0.0–7.5

Divide up the Waran in dosett

2.5

0.0–15.0

Total time for follow-up

40.8

8.0–146.1

Total time used for one monitoring episode

88.2 minutes

38.2–231.1

  1. *the total is rounded off and thus does not correspond exactly with the sum of the individual items for preparations, and direct patient contact.