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Patients’ experiences from symptom onset to initial treatment for atrial fibrillation

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  • Pamela J McCabe
  • Lori M Rhudy
  • Holli A DeVon

Abstract

Aims and objectives To describe patients’ experiences from symptom onset to initial treatment for atrial fibrillation. Background The estimated number of individuals with atrial fibrillation globally in 2010 was 33·5 million. World‐wide, each year, new cases of atrial fibrillation approach 5 million, and prevalence will increase 2·5‐fold by 2050. As a result, clinicians worldwide will treat a growing number of patients with atrial fibrillation. Early intervention to promote atrial fibrillation self‐management is critical to reduce associated complications of stroke and heart failure. Greater understanding of patients’ experiences from symptom onset to initial treatment for atrial fibrillation is needed to guide development of interventions to promote early effective self‐management. Design A descriptive qualitative design was used. Methods Twenty females and 21 males at an academic medical centre were interviewed using open‐ended questions to explore their experiences from symptom onset to initial treatment for atrial fibrillation. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Participants’ mean age was 64·3 (SD = 10·1) years. Four themes were identified: (1) misinterpreting symptoms; (2) discovering the meaning of atrial fibrillation; (3) facing fears, uncertainty, and moving to acceptance; and (4) receiving validation and reassurance. Participants lacked knowledge of atrial fibrillation and took cues from providers’ responses to appraise symptoms and diagnosis. Fear and uncertainty were reduced when providers initiated prompt treatment and took time to explain atrial fibrillation. Patients appreciated receiving clear information about atrial fibrillation, were engaged in learning, and motivated to participate in their care. Conclusions Providers played a critical role in helping patients to develop an accurate understanding of atrial fibrillation, to cope with the new diagnosis, and motivated them to engage in effective self‐management. Relevance to clinical practice Insight into participant experiences from symptom onset to initial treatment for atrial fibrillation may inform development of interventions to promote effective atrial fibrillation self‐management.

Suggested Citation

  • Pamela J McCabe & Lori M Rhudy & Holli A DeVon, 2015. "Patients’ experiences from symptom onset to initial treatment for atrial fibrillation," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(5-6), pages 786-796, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:24:y:2015:i:5-6:p:786-796
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12708
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    Cited by:

    1. Tomas Dalteg & Jonas Sandberg & Dan Malm & Anna Sandgren & Eva Benzein, 2017. "The heart is a representation of life: an exploration of illness beliefs in couples living with atrial fibrillation," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(21-22), pages 3699-3709, November.
    2. Ibrahim Jatau Abubakar & Barbara C. Wimmer & Luke R. Bereznicki & Corinna Dwan & J. Andrew Black & Woldesellassie M. Bezabhe & Gregory M. Peterson, 2020. "Development and Validation of an Atrial Fibrillation Knowledge Assessment Tool (AFKAT)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-12, March.

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