ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Authors of studies of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have identified several knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding the condition and its management. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened isolation of patients and underscored the need for education and knowledge building in order for patients to effectively manage AF during times of increased health risk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess, using a qualitative approach, the experiences and perceived benefits of patients with AF regarding an 8-session virtual education intervention (AF-at-Home) during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study with 3 focus groups using a semistructured focus group guide was conducted and recorded online with the same trained moderator. RESULTS: We identified 7 primary themes emerging from patients' experiences: (1) building knowledge beyond information available in clinic visits, (2) managing anxiety, (3) generating self-efficacy, (4) providing social comparison, (5) perceived benefits of both experiential and informational content, (6) facilitating self-management behaviors, and (7) facilitating communication with providers. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the focus groups shows the benefits of a virtual education program in building knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy as well as reducing anxiety and normalizing one's experience by attending a program alongside other patients with AF.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: As the pandemic continues to unfold, effective, technology-based solutions are needed to help patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) maintain their health and well-being during the outbreak of COVID-19. METHODS: This single-center, pilot study investigated the effects of a 4-week (eight sessions) virtual AF self-management program. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 1 week after the intervention, and assessed AF knowledge, adherence to self-management behaviors, mental health, physical function, and disease-specific quality of life in patients with AF. Secondary outcomes included knowledge of COVID-19, intervention, acceptability, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 68 patients who completed baseline questionnaires, 57 participated in the intervention and were included in the analysis (mean age of 73.4 ± 10.0 years, 60% male). Adherence to AF self-monitoring behaviors, including monitoring their heart rate (p < .001), heart rhythm (p = .003), and blood pressure (p = .013) were significantly improved at the end of the intervention compared with baseline. Symptom identification (p = .007) and management (p < .001) also improved. Reductions in sleep disturbance (p < .001), anxiety (p = .014), and depression (p = .046) were also observed. Misinformation and inaccurate beliefs about COVID-19 were significantly reduced at the end of the intervention compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that a virtual patient education program could have beneficial effects on adherence to guideline-recommend self-care of AF, emotional wellbeing, physical function, and knowledge of COVID-19 in patients with AF. Future randomized studies in larger samples are needed to determine the clinical benefits of the intervention.