Ontario emerging from the dark ages

[lance]

There was a segment on the noon news about home INR testing explaining how useful it is for keeping patients taking (here's that dratted term again) blood thinners.

Otherwise it was very informative. Two patients were interviewed and they explained why they were so interested in their own care. A hematologist was also interviewed and said why home monitoring is such a valuable aid for patients.

I could have stood up and applauded. This came following my pharmacist's experience with a local PCP requesting information last Friday. We've had frequent conversations over the past several years when I pick up my strips and knows how happy I am with my monitor so was able to convey that information.

Hopefully they will become more popular and maybe the price will come down.

Good news for a dark day in November.

 

[Bina]

I saw the same news clip yesterday on the late night news on the quebec channel....I also wanted to stand up and cheer. They showed an elderly man completely capable of testing his INR all by himself on his Coaguchek XS..... It was 2.2 and he calmly said, "oh well, I'm a bit low".

 

[netmiff]

Hey

Hey

What channel, so I can check out the web site ??? please, please, pretty please . . .

 

[Bina]

You can try: www.ctv.ca
It was the "Medical Report".

 

[netmiff]

thanks, bina, I got it - I did not see the report, but there is a transcript, and there is a link to the original study that I guess prompted the segment.

Here's the link to the report :

http://www.openmedicine.ca/article/view/77/74

 

[lance]

CTV segment on Home ACT Monitoring

CTV segment on Home ACT Monitoring

Good morning,

The CTV segment was filmed mostly at Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network. Sue Jenkinson RN MN, the dark haired instructor, seen accompanying the patient down the corridor trained me to use my S and XS (I think I was her tenth student). She is very approachable and knowledgeable. Dr. Yao, head of hematology was introduced to me at that time. If anyone needs more info UHN has a website or contact me privately for phone numbers, e-mail address.

It's about time home monitoring is being given the exposure it needs to help ACT patients stay in range. A very positive step, long overdue.