Future Patient-Telerehabilitation of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Protocol for a Multicenter, Mixed Methods,...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition with increasing incidence.
• Telerehabilitation programs like FP-AF are emerging to improve patient engagement and access to care.
• The FP-AF program utilizes digital technologies for monitoring and education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the research design, outcome measures, and data collection for the FP-AF telerehabilitation clinical trial.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the FP-AF program in improving AF patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, mixed methods, randomized controlled trial comparing FP-AF to conventional care.
• Primary outcome: AF-specific health-related quality of life (AFEQoL).
• Secondary outcomes include AF knowledge, vital parameter monitoring, psychological well-being, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Patient enrollment (208 participants) is ongoing, concluding in December 2024.
• Qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis are scheduled for 2024-2025.
• Study findings will be published in 2025.

Conclusions:

• The FP-AF study will determine if the program enhances quality of life and AF knowledge versus standard care.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis will ascertain telerehabilitation's viability for AF rehabilitation.