A qualitative study of nuisance bleeding and medication-related beliefs with dual antiplatelet drug therapy.

Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perceptions of nuisance bleeding and medication-related beliefs among adults taking dual antiplatelet drug therapy.

Methods: We conducted qualitative telephone interviews with 34 community-dwelling adults with cardiovascular disease.

Results: Using qualitative content analysis, we identified 4 dominant themes: nuisance bruising, nuisance bleeding, importance of medication adherence, and duration of therapy. Participants' bruising was frequently more severe than expected given the force of the bump that caused it. Concerns focused on whether increased bleeding tendencies would lead to hemorrhage in the event of a major traumatic injury, confusion about the duration of therapy, and the rationale for when and why therapy should be discontinued.

Conclusion: Excessive bruising and medication-related concerns about hemorrhage and duration of treatment were salient issues for participants. Effective clinician-patient communication should be used to assist individuals in managing concerns to help assure positive health outcomes with antiplatelet drugs.