The Current Situation and Conflicts Regarding Family Members' Participation in Postoperative Care for Patients with...

To explore the dynamic process of family participation in postoperative care for atrial fibrillation and identify its potential conflicts.

A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach.

From April to June 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 atrial fibrillation patients who underwent surgical treatment 1-3 months prior in the cardiology department of a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, along with their primary caregivers, and the data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.

This study identified three main themes and seven sub-themes: (1) the current situation of family participation in care, (2) the interaction perception and role identity among family members, and (3) the emotional and resource dilemma under the pressure of care.

While focusing on the health problems of patients with atrial fibrillation after surgery, the burden and related problems of family caregivers should not be ignored. Family involvement in the care of patients after AF ablation is a double-edged sword, and a structured support system needs to be established to alleviate conflicts. Family education and conflict mediation are recommended to be included in the discharge plan.

This study reveals three common tensions in the postoperative care of patients with atrial fibrillation: the conflict between overprotection and restricting patients' autonomy, the disconnection between knowledge acquisition and care behavior, and the multiple burdens on caregivers at both psychological and economic levels. To address the problems existing in family care, efforts should be made from the three levels of the system, education, and service to build a diversified and collaborative family care support system.

This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Two patients and their primary caregivers were involved in the early phases of this study. They helped in formulating the interview outline.