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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Living with Atrial Fibrillation: A Family Perspective

Stine Rosenstrøm1,2, Signe Stelling Risom3,4,5, Jens Dahlgaard Hove2,6

  • 1Nursing and Healthcare, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.

Nursing Research and Practice
|March 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Living with atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly impacts families, causing emotional distress and necessitating life adjustments. Patients and families need support to manage AF challenges effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Qualitative Health Research

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with global health implications.
  • AF affects not only patients but also negatively impacts family members' perceived health.
  • Family perspectives on living with AF are understudied, highlighting a need for more research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To gain insights from patients and family members on the lived experience of living with atrial fibrillation.
  • To understand how families cope with and adjust to life with AF.
  • To inform the development of family-centered support interventions for AF.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative phenomenological study utilizing Giorgi's descriptive method.
  • Data collected through 12 dyadic family interviews.
  • Study adhered to the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Main Results:

  • Three major themes emerged: emotional differences, changes in family life, and uncertainty about the future.
  • Atrial fibrillation necessitated multiple adjustments and adaptations within the family unit.
  • Families experienced significant emotional and practical challenges adapting to life with AF.

Conclusions:

  • Patients and families with AF express a need for open communication regarding emotions and worries.
  • Support and guidance are crucial for managing the challenges associated with AF.
  • Findings will inform a family-focused intervention to aid adjustment and management of everyday life with AF.
Abstract

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