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. 2021 Mar;44(3):451-461.
doi: 10.1111/pace.14188. Epub 2021 Feb 17.

Effect of a virtual self-management intervention for atrial fibrillation during the outbreak of COVID-19

Lindsey Rosman  1 , Tiffany Armbruster  1 , Sayyad Kyazimzade  2 , Zachary Tugaoen  2 , Anthony J Mazzella  1 , Zack Deyo  3   4 , Jennifer Walker  1 , Sriram Machineni  5 , Anil Gehi  1
Affiliations

Effect of a virtual self-management intervention for atrial fibrillation during the outbreak of COVID-19

Lindsey Rosman et al. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2021 Mar.

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.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation, digital health, intervention; patient education; telehealth.

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Conflict of interest statement

Anil K. Gehi, MD: Research Grant: Bristol‐Myers Squib Foundation, Honoraria/Consulting Fees: Biosense‐Webster, Abbott, Biotronik, Zoll Medical. Jennifer Walker, MSN, ANP has received salary support from the Bristol‐Myers Squib Foundation. Sriram Machineni, MD: Research funding: Novo Nordisk, Boeringher Ingelheim, Consulting Fees: Novo Nordisk, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Effects of the atrial fibrillation (AF)‐at‐home program on self‐management skills in patients with AF [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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