Seeking help for atrial fibrillation: the role of the body in distributed decision making.

We adopt Rapley's (2008) concept of distributed decision making to explore the role of the body in people's decisions to seek medical care. We conducted in-depth interviews with patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were taking long-term anticoagulants to prevent stroke. We interviewed seventeen patients recruited from English anticoagulant clinics using the biographic-narrative-interpretive method, and conducted thematic, structural and metaphorical analyses. This pluralistic analysis focused on how distributed decision-making was enacted through a range of socio-material, relational and embodied practices. Participants told how they experienced AF-related sensations that fluctuated in intensity and form. Some had no symptoms at all; others experienced sudden incapacitation - these experiences shaped different journeys towards seeking medical help. We draw on work by Mol (2002) to show how the body was differently observed, experienced and done across contexts as the narratives unfolded. We show that as part of a relational assemblage, involving social, material and technological actors over time, a new body-in-need-of-help was enacted and medical help sought. This body-in-need-of-help was collectively discussed, interpreted and experienced through distribution of body parts, fluids and technological representations to shape decisions. RAPLEY T., 2008. Distributed decision making: the anatomy of decisions-in-action. Sociology of Health & Illness, 30, 429-444. MOL A., 2002. The body multiple: ontology in medical practice. Duke University Press: Durham.

The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, illness perception, and in atrial fibrillation patients: a six-month longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) often leads to an impaired Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in many patients. Moreover, psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and illness perception have been found to significantly correlate with HRQoL. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in enhancing HRQoL and mitigating psychological distress among AF patients. METHODS: Employing a prospective, open design with pseudo-randomization, this study encompassed pre-tests, post-treatment evaluations, and a 6-month follow-up. A total of 102 consecutive patients diagnosed with paroxysmal AF were initially enrolled. Out of these, 90 were assigned to two groups; one to receive a 10-week CBT treatment specifically focusing on anxiety, and the other to receive standard care. Outcome measures were evaluated using tools such as the Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale (AFSS), and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). These assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at the 6-month follow-up mark. We explored the effectiveness of CBT using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). RESULTS: Our analysis revealed a notable improvement in the CBT group relative to the control group. All metrics displayed consistent improvement across a 6-month duration. At the 6-month checkpoint, the CBT group exhibited a more favorable SF-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) (50.261 ± 0.758 vs. 45.208 ± 0.887, p < 0.001), reduced GAD-7 (4.150 ± 0.347 vs. 8.022 ± 0.423, p < 0.001), BIPQ (34.700 ± 0.432 vs. 38.026 ± 0.318, p < 0.001), and AFSS (9.890 ± 0.217 vs. 10.928 ± 0.218, p = 0.001) scores when compared to the TAU group. Conversely, the SF-12 PCS (44.212 ± 0.816 vs. 47.489 ± 0.960, p = 0.139) and PHQ-9 scores (8.419 ± 0.713 vs. 10.409 ± 0.741, p = 0.794) manifested no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that CBT is effective in improving HRQoL and reducing psychological distress among patients with AF at 6 month follow-up. This highlights the potential benefits of integrating CBT into the therapeutic regimen for AF patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05716828). The date of registration : 5 June 2023.

Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation vs Medical Therapy and Psychological Distress: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation on mental health outcomes is not well understood. Objective: To determine whether AF catheter ablation is associated with greater improvements in markers of psychological distress compared with medical therapy alone. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Randomized Evaluation of the Impact of Catheter Ablation on Psychological Distress in Atrial Fibrillation (REMEDIAL) study was a randomized trial of symptomatic participants conducted in 2 AF centers in Australia between June 2018 and March 2021. Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive AF catheter ablation (n = 52) or medical therapy (n = 48). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included follow-up assessments of prevalence of severe psychological distress (HADS score >15), anxiety HADS score, depression HADS score, and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score. Arrhythmia recurrence and AF burden data were also analyzed. Results: A total of 100 participants were randomized (mean age, 59 [12] years; 31 [32%] women; 54% with paroxysmal AF). Successful pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all participants in the ablation group. The combined HADS score was lower in the ablation group vs the medical group at 6 months (8.2 [5.4] vs 11.9 [7.2]; P = .006) and at 12 months (7.6 [5.3] vs 11.8 [8.6]; between-group difference, -4.17 [95% CI, -7.04 to -1.31]; P = .005). Similarly, the prevalence of severe psychological distress was lower in the ablation group vs the medical therapy group at 6 months (14.2% vs 34%; P = .02) and at 12 months (10.2% vs 31.9%; P = .01), as was the anxiety HADS score at 6 months (4.7 [3.2] vs 6.4 [3.9]; P = .02) and 12 months (4.5 [3.3] vs 6.6 [4.8]; P = .02); the depression HADS score at 3 months (3.7 [2.6] vs 5.2 [4.0]; P = .047), 6 months (3.4 [2.7] vs 5.5 [3.9]; P = .004), and 12 months (3.1 [2.6] vs 5.2 [3.9]; P = .004); and the BDI-II score at 6 months (7.2 [6.1] vs 11.5 [9.0]; P = .01) and 12 months (6.6 [7.2] vs 10.9 [8.2]; P = .01). The median (IQR) AF burden in the ablation group was lower than in the medical therapy group (0% [0%-3.22%] vs 15.5% [1.0%-45.9%]; P < .001). Conclusion and Relevance: In this trial of participants with symptomatic AF, improvement in psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression was observed with catheter ablation, but not medical therapy. Trial Registration: ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12618000062224.

Nurse-led multi-component behavioural activation programme to improve health outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: a mixed-methods study and feasibility analysis.

AIMS: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) play passive roles in disease management. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of an empowerment-based care model, titled 'the nurse-led multi-component behavioural activation (N-MBA) programme', on health-related quality of life, AF knowledge, psychological outcomes, medication adherence, and treatment decision-making in patients with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: This mixed-methods study comprised a pilot randomized controlled trial and a qualitative study. Patients with AF who had a moderate-to-high risk of stroke but were not prescribed oral anticoagulants were recruited. Forty participants were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the N-MBA programme or standard care. The 13-week programme comprised care components that prepared patients for shared decision-making, an empowerment-based educational module on AF self-care, and continuous support through telephone calls. The programme was feasible, and the overall attendance rate was 82.5%. The participants gave excellent ratings in the satisfaction survey. The N-MBA group showed greater improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and AF knowledge than the standard care group at the immediate post intervention and 6-month follow-up time points. No significant between-group changes in medication adherence, anxiety, and depression were detected. Participants in the N-MBA group actively raised concerns about AF and its treatment with their attending doctors. The qualitative data were consistent with the quantitative data, indicating that the programme built a comprehensive knowledge base of AF and self-care behaviours. CONCLUSION: The N-MBA programme is feasible and acceptable to patients with AF. It improved patients' AF knowledge, treatment-related decision-making, and HRQoL. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03924739.

'Out of sync': a qualitative investigation of patients' experiences of atrial fibrillation and perceptions of weight management.

OBJECTIVES: To explore ways to enhance the design of risk factor management and weight-loss services for people with overweight/obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with serious consequences for health and quality of life. Some evidence indicates weight reduction in people with AF and overweight/obesity may improve symptoms. This population may require additional support with weight management due to factors associated with ageing and health. DESIGN: Qualitative investigation based on semi-structured interviews. METHODS: 12 adult participants (4 female, 8 male) with diagnosed AF and a current or previous body mass index >27 kg/m2 were recruited at a large tertiary cardiac referral centre in southern England between September 2020 and January 2021. Participants completed quality of life and AF symptom questionnaires using Think-Aloud technique and semi-structured interviews relating to their weight management experiences, needs and preferences. Interviews were audio recorded and analysed thematically using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation-Behaviour model as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: Three main themes were identified. Being out of rhythm explores the psychological and physical impact of AF on weight management; doing the right thing discusses participants' weight management experiences and broaching the subject explores participants' perspectives on weight management conversations with clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: There was dissatisfaction with the weight management advice received from healthcare professionals including cardiologists. Participants wanted open, non-judgemental discussion of cardiac health implications of overweight/obesity supported by referral to weight management services. Improved communication including research findings regarding the benefits of weight loss as a factor in AF management might increase motivation to adhere to weight-loss advice in this population.

Feasibility and Validity of Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery in Mild Cognitive Impairment Screening for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the worsening of cognitive function. Strategies that are both convenient and reliable for cognitive screening of AF patients remain underdeveloped. We aimed to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of computerized cognitive screening strategies using subtests from Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) in AF patients. METHODS: The Multitasking Test (MTT), Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP), and Paired Associates Learning (PAL) subtests from CANTAB were performed in 105 AF patients. Traditional standard neuropsychological tests were used as a reference standard. Cognitive screening models using different CANTAB subtests were established using multivariable logistic regression. Further stepwise regression using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was applied to optimize the models. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to study the sensitivity and specificity of these models. RESULTS: Fifty-eight (55%) patients were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MTT alone had reasonable sensitivity (82.8%) and specificity (74.5%) for MCI screening, while RVP (sensitivity 72.4%, specificity 70.2%) and PAL (sensitivity 70.7%, specificity 57.4%) were less effective. Stepwise regression of all available variables revealed that a combination of MTT and RVP brought about higher specificity (sensitivity 82.8%, specificity 85.8%), while PAL was not included in the optimal model. Moreover, adding education to the models did not result in improved validity for MCI screening. CONCLUSION: The CANTAB subtests are feasible and effective strategies for MCI screening among AF patients independent of patients' education levels. Hence, they are practical for cardiologists or general practitioners.

Atrial fibrillation, quality of life and distress: a cluster analysis of cognitive and behavioural responses.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined specific cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms, which may impact health-related outcomes, in conjunction with illness representations, as outlined by the Common-Sense-Model. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) report poor quality-of-life (QoL) and high distress. This cross-sectional study investigated patterns/clusters of cognitive and behavioural responses to illness, and illness perceptions, and relationships with QoL, depression and anxiety. METHODS: AF patients (N = 198) recruited at cardiology clinics completed the AF-Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, Atrial-Fibrillation-Effect-on-Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-8 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire. Cluster analysis used Ward's and K-means methods. Hierarchical regressions examined relationships between clusters with QoL, depression and anxiety. RESULTS: Two clusters of cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms were outlined; (1) 'high avoidance'; (2) 'low symptom-focussing'. Patients in Cluster 1 had lower QoL (M = 40.36, SD = 18.40), greater symptoms of depression (M = 7.20, SD = 5.71) and greater symptoms of anxiety (M = 5.70, SD = 5.90) compared to patients in Cluster 2 who had higher QoL (M = 59.03, SD = 20.12), fewer symptoms of depression (M = 3.53, SD = 3.56) and fewer symptoms of anxiety (M = 2.56, SD = 3.56). Two illness representation clusters were outlined; (1) 'high coherence and treatment control', (2) 'negative illness and emotional representations'. Patients in Cluster 2 had significantly lower QoL (M = 46.57, SD = 19.94), greater symptoms of depression (M = 6.12, SD = 5.31) and greater symptoms of anxiety (M = 4.70, SD = 5.27), compared with patients in Cluster 1 who had higher QoL (M = 61.52, SD = 21.38), fewer symptoms of depression (M = 2.85, SD = 2.97) and fewer symptoms of anxiety (M = 2.16, SD = 3.63). Overall, clusters of cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms, and illness perceptions significantly explained between 14 and 29% of the variance in QoL, depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Patterns of cognitive and behavioural responses to symptoms, and illness perceptions are important correlates of health-related outcomes in AF patients.

Association between anxiety symptoms and atrial fibrillation in a community cohort of Chinese older adults: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The association between anxiety and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. Moreover, this association has rarely been studied in Chinese individuals aged 60 years or older. This study investigated the association between anxiety and AF in a community-based case-control study of older adult residents in urban China. METHODS: The cases and controls were from a community-based study conducted in the Jingansi community in Shanghai, China, between January 2010 and December 2012. A total of 3622 residents aged 60 years or older without severe vision, hearing, or speaking impairments were eligible to participate in the physical examinations and questionnaire survey. AF was assessed based on a previous physician's diagnosis, electrocardiogram, ambulatory electrocardiogram, or echocardiogram. Anxiety was evaluated using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (ZSAS). Using the AF group as a reference, the control group consisted of randomly selected age- and sex-matched individuals in a 1:5 ratio (case:control = 1:5). The association between anxiety and AF in the AF group and the multifactor-matched control group was explored using logistic regression. RESULTS: In the AF and control groups, after adjusting for a history of coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, hypertension, stroke, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, as well as depression score, ZSAS scores (odds ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.12; p = 0.003), and anxiety symptoms (odds ratio 3.94; 95% confidence interval 1.06-14.70; p = 0.041) were associated with AF. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety symptoms were associated with AF in a Chinese older population. This suggests that older adults who have anxiety symptoms may need psychological intervention or treatment in daily life and care.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation Burden With Health-Related Quality of Life After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Substudy of the Cryoballoon vs Contact-Force Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (CIRCA-DOSE) Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have impaired health-related quality of life primarily owing to symptoms related to AF episodes; however, quality of life can be influenced by AF therapies, AF complications, the frequency of follow-up visits and hospitalizations, illness perceptions, and patient factors, such as anxiety or depression. Objective: To determine the association between change in AF burden and quality of life in the year following ablation. Design, Setting, and Participants: The current study is a secondary analysis of a prospective, parallel-group, multicenter, single-masked randomized clinical trial (Cryoballoon vs Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Double Short vs Standard Exposure Duration [CIRCA-DOSE] study), which took place at 8 Canadian centers. Between September 2014 and July 2017, 346 patients older than 18 years with symptomatic, primarily low-burden AF refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy referred for first catheter ablation were enrolled. All patients received an implantable cardiac monitor at least 30 days before ablation and were followed up with up to December 2018. Data were analyzed from April 2020 to June 2021. Interventions: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to contact force-guided radiofrequency ablation, 4-minute cryoballoon ablation, or 2-minute cryoballoon ablation. The exposure in the present analysis is the absolute difference in AF burden prior to ablation and 12 months following ablation, as evaluated by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) Score. Main Outcomes and Measures: Absolute difference in quality of life from baseline to 12 months postablation. Results: Of 346 included patients, 231 (66.7%) were male, and the median (interquartile range) age was 60 (52-66) years. A total of 328 patients (94.8%) had paroxysmal AF. The median (interquartile range) preablation AF burden was 2.0% (0.1-11.9), and the AF burden decreased to 0% at 12 months postablation. At 12 months, a 1-point improvement in AFEQT score was observed for every absolute reduction in daily AF burden of 15.8 minutes (95% CI, 7.2-24.4; P < .001), or every 0.63% (95% CI, 0.30-0.95; P < .001) reduction in relative AF burden from baseline. Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with primarily low-burden paroxysmal AF, the reduction in AF burden following ablation may be associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01913522.

Cryoballoon Ablation as Initial Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia observed in clinical practice, is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by exacerbations and remissions. Guidelines recommend antiarrhythmic drugs as the initial therapy for the maintenance of sinus rhythm; however, antiarrhythmic drugs have modest efficacy to maintain sinus rhythm and can be associated with significant adverse effects. An initial treatment strategy of cryoballoon catheter ablation in patients with treatment-naïve AF has been shown to significantly improve arrhythmia outcomes (freedom from any, or symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia), produce clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported outcomes (symptoms and quality of life), and significantly reduce subsequent health care resource use (hospitalization), and it does not increase the risk of serious or any adverse events compared with initial antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These findings are relevant to inform patients, providers, and health care systems regarding the initial choice of rhythm-control therapy in patients with treatment-naïve AF.

Super and Nonresponders to Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Quality-of-Life Assessment Using Patient Reported Outcomes.

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Cost Conversations About Anticoagulation Between Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Their Clinicians: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: How patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and their clinicians consider cost in forming care plans remains unknown. Objective: To identify factors that inform conversations regarding costs of anticoagulants for treatment of AF between patients and clinicians and outcomes associated with these conversations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study of recorded encounters and participant surveys at 5 US medical centers (including academic, community, and safety-net centers) from the SDM4AFib randomized trial compared standard AF care with and without use of a shared decision-making (SDM) tool. Included patients were considering anticoagulation treatment and were recruited by their clinicians between January 30, 2017, and June 27, 2019. Data were analyzed between August and November 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures: The incidence of and factors associated with cost conversations, and the association of cost conversations with patients' consideration of treatment cost burden and their choice of anticoagulation. Results: A total of 830 encounters (out of 922 enrolled participants) were recorded. Patients' mean (SD) age was 71.0 (10.4) years; 511 patients (61.6%) were men, 704 (86.0%) were White, 303 (40.9%) earned between $40 000 and $99 999 in annual income, and 657 (79.2%) were receiving anticoagulants. Clinicians' mean (SD) age was 44.8 (13.2) years; 75 clinicians (53.2%) were men, and 111 (76%) practiced as physicians, with approximately half (69 [48.9%]) specializing in either internal medicine or cardiology. Cost conversations occurred in 639 encounters (77.0%) and were more likely in the SDM arm (378 [90%] vs 261 [64%]; OR, 9.69; 95% CI, 5.77-16.29). In multivariable analysis, cost conversations were more likely to occur with female clinicians (66 [47%]; OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.21-6.71); consultants vs in-training clinicians (113 [75%]; OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4-11.1); clinicians practicing family medicine (24 [16%]; OR, 12.12; 95% CI, 2.75-53.38]), internal medicine (35 [23%]; OR, 3.82; 95% CI, 1.25-11.70), or other clinicians (21 [14%]; OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.32-18.16) when compared with cardiologists; and for patients with an annual household income between $40 000 and $99 999 (249 [82.2%]; OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.05-3.29) compared with income below $40 000 or above $99 999. More patients who had cost conversations reported cost as a factor in their decision (244 [89.1%] vs 327 [69.0%]; OR 3.66; 95% CI, 2.43-5.50), but cost conversations were not associated with the choice of anticoagulation agent. Conclusions and Relevance: Cost conversations were common, particularly for middle-income patients and with female and consultant-level primary care clinicians, as well as in encounters using an SDM tool; they were associated with patients' consideration of treatment cost burden but not final treatment choice. With increasing costs of care passed on to patients, these findings can inform efforts to promote cost conversations in practice. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02905032.

Atrial Fibrillation Impact Questionnaire (AFImpact): Validity and reliability of the Turkish version.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines recommend measuring and addressing health-related quality of life in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF); however, a disease-specific questionnaire is lacking for the Turkish language. Our aim was to translate and adapt the Atrial Fibrillation Impact Questionnaire (AFImpact) into Turkish and to explore its psychometric properties. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases, including the translation and cultural adaptation of AFImpact into Turkish language and the analysis of psychometric properties of the translated questionnaire. 98 patients diagnosed with AF were evaluated using the Turkish version of AFImpact, Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Turkish version of AFImpact was explored. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficients for vitality, emotional distress, and sleep domains of AFImpact was 0.956, 0.955, and 0.819, respectively, indicating good-to-excellent internal consistency. No significant difference was detected between the initial and retest scores, and intraclass correlation coefficients of each domain varied between 0.991 and 0.996, indicating excellent test-retest reliability. Each domain of AFImpact highly correlated with similar domains of SF-36 and PSQI, having correlation coefficients between -0.484 and -0.699. AFImpact was able to discriminate between the patients in different functional classes, confirming know-groups validity. Factor analysis revealed AFImpact had the same factorial structure as the original questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of AFImpact is a valid and reliable questionnaire for evaluating health-related quality of life in patients with AF.