Patient-reported treatment satisfaction with rivaroxaban in Japanese non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: an observational study (vol 34, pg 2157, 2018)

Objectives: Rivaroxaban has previously been shown to be as efficacious and safe as warfarin for the prevention of stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Therefore, treatment satisfaction becomes an important consideration. Here we examine treatment satisfaction in Japanese NVAF patients who were switched from warfarin to rivaroxaban. Methods: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) data were collected as part of a prospective, multi-center, post-marketing surveillance (PMS) of a direct oral-anticoagulant, rivaroxaban, in Japan. The Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS) and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication version II (TSQM-II) were collected at baseline, month 3, and month 6. Change in scores from baseline to month 3 and month 6 were assessed. Exploratory analyses included change in scores by patient characteristics. Safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban were also assessed. Results: ACTS Burdens scores significantly improved at month 3 (54.6 +/- 6.3) and month 6 (54.5 +/- 6.5) compared to baseline (51.0 +/- 7.6) (p < .001). ACTS Benefits score remained stable over time (baseline = 10.1 +/- 2.8, month 3 = 10.2 +/- 3.1, month 6 = 10.1 +/- 3.1). Mean TSQM-II sub-scale scores significantly improved at month 3 and month 6 compared to baseline for all four domains (all p < .001). Conclusions: Findings suggest treatment satisfaction may improve in Japanese NVAF patients after a switch from warfarin to rivaroxaban. Higher treatment satisfaction may translate into improved treatment adherence, which is critical for the long-term prevention of stroke.