Patient checklist: Improving attendance at imaging appointments post left atrial appendage occlusion implant

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Device Technology
• Patient Adherence Research

Background:

• Nonattendance for post-left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device imaging appointments is a clinical concern.
• Timely follow-up is crucial for confirming device endothelialization and guiding anticoagulant therapy.
• Simple educational strategies may enhance patient adherence to follow-up care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a one-page patient checklist on compliance with the mandatory 45-day post-LAAO imaging appointment.
• To assess the effectiveness of a low-cost intervention in improving patient follow-up adherence.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study utilized a patient checklist intervention at a community hospital.
• Prospective data (n=97) were collected for patients receiving the checklist; retrospective data (n=100) were gathered for those who did not.
• Compliance rates were compared between groups using chi-square analysis.

Main Results:

• Compliance with the 45-day imaging appointment was significantly higher in the checklist group (91%) compared to the non-checklist group (75%).
• The difference in compliance was statistically significant (χ2 = 8.3, P = .004).
• No clinically meaningful demographic differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• A simple, low-cost patient checklist effectively improved adherence to essential post-LAAO imaging appointments.
• This reproducible intervention can potentially be applied to other clinical pathways requiring strict follow-up adherence.
• The checklist represents a valuable tool for enhancing patient compliance in cardiovascular device care pathways.