Exploring Patients' Values and Preferences for Initial Atrial Fibrillation Education

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Patient Education
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) require knowledge for self-management and treatment decisions.
• Current data on effective educational content and approaches for AF patients are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient values regarding initial AF education content.
• To describe current AF education delivery by providers.
• To identify patient preferences for AF educational approaches.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative inductive approach utilizing semistructured interviews.
• 25 participants diagnosed with AF within 18 months.
• Analysis via qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• Patients valued reassurance that AF is not immediately life-threatening and allows usual activities, which reduced fear.
• Verbal explanations were common, but patients preferred written materials and videos to supplement.
• Key themes included 'important to know,' 'recollections of education,' and 'preferences for resources.'

Conclusions:

• Addressing emotional and quality-of-life concerns at AF diagnosis is crucial for patient engagement in treatment and self-management.
• Providers should incorporate written and video resources alongside verbal explanations for comprehensive AF education.