Educational needs of people living with atrial fibrillation : a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: This study explored the educational and self-managementneeds of adults living with atrial fibrillation (AF).METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a qualitative study of adults living with AF, clinicians, and expert key stakeholders. Interviewswere conducted via a one-to-onesemistructured videoconference or phone and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Atotal of 34 participants were recruited and included in analyses (clinicians n=13; experts n=13, patients n=8). Interviews wereon average 40 (range 20–70)minutes in duration. Three key themes were identified: (1) “Patient-centeredAF education”; (2)“Prioritizing AF education”; and (3) “Timing AF education.” The availability of credible information was perceived as highly variable.Information primarily focused on anticoagulation, or procedural information, as opposed to other aspects of management,such as risk factor reduction. Factors to optimize learning, such as multimedia, apps, case studies, or the use of visuals wereperceived as important. Continuity of care, including engagement of caregivers, was important to help develop relationships,and facilitate understanding, while concurrently creating opportunities for timely targeted education. Clinicians describedacute care as a suboptimal setting to deliver education. Competing interests aligned with the time-pressuredcontext of acutecare were prioritized over patient education. In contrast, patients valued continuity of care. AF education strategies need topivot from a “one size fits all” approach and modernize to implement a range of approaches.CONCLUSIONS: There remain many unmet needs in the provision of quality AF education to support self-management.Multimodal