Exploring patient and healthcare worker satisfaction at the Anticoagulation Clinic, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare systems worldwide, necessitating adaptations in service delivery to ensure patient care and safety. Aim: This study investigates patient and healthcare provider satisfaction at the Anticoagulant Clinic of Hamad Medical Corporation amidst the pandemic. Methodology: Data were collected through surveys conducted with patients and healthcare providers and analyzed various implemented measures such as direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) conversion, extended international normalized ratio (INR) testing, hotline services, and telehealth consultations. Results: Results indicate significant patient satisfaction with DOAC conversion (75% satisfaction rate) and extended INR testing intervals (95.3% satisfaction rate), despite a minor bleeding incidence of 11%, with 3.4% experiencing moderate bleeding and 0.4% encountering life-threatening bleeding. The implementation of the hotline service garnered an 83% satisfaction rate among patients. Healthcare providers, including clinical pharmacists, perceived the implemented measures as safe, with 83.3% endorsing DOAC conversion safety and 58.3% expressing confidence in the safety of extended INR testing intervals. Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of patient-centered strategies in managing anticoagulation therapy during health crises such as COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, proactive monitoring, and continuous improvement to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing anticoagulation clinic operations and enhancing patient care both in times of crisis and in routine healthcare delivery settings.