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. 2024 May 23;5(4):483-490.
doi: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztae041. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Streamlining atrial fibrillation ablation management using a digitization solution

Jim O'Brien  1 , Sergio Valsecchi  2 , Fionnuala Seaver  1 , Lorena Rosalejos  1 , Diana Arellano  1 , Kristine Laurilla  1 , Gael Jauvert  1 , Noel Fitzpatrick  1 , Tamas Tahin  1   3 , Ted Keelan  1   4 , Joseph Galvin  1   4   5 , Gabor Szeplaki  1   6
Affiliations

Streamlining atrial fibrillation ablation management using a digitization solution

Jim O'Brien et al. Eur Heart J Digit Health. .

Abstract

Aims: Catheter ablation is a widely accepted intervention for atrial fibrillation (AF) management. Prior to undertaking this procedure, thorough patient education on its efficacy and potential complications is crucial. Additionally, educating patients about stroke risk management and anticoagulant therapy is imperative. At Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, we implemented a solution, integrating a customized treatment pathway and a mobile application. This patient-centred approach aims to optimize the clinical management of AF catheter ablation candidates, focusing on knowledge gaps and adherence to guideline-based care to enhance overall outcomes.

Methods and results: The application automates pre-operative assessments and post-operative support, facilitating seamless patient-clinician communication. During the observation period (September 2022-April 2023), 63 patients installed the app. Patient adherence to the pathway was strong, with 98% of patients actively engaging in the treatment pathway and with 81% completing all pre-operative tasks. The average enrolment-to-admission duration was 14 days, and post-ablation tasks were fulfilled by 62% of patients within an average of 36 days. Operators perceived the solution as user-friendly and effective in enhancing patient connectivity. Patient satisfaction was high, and knowledge about AF improved notably through the solution, particularly concerning the recognition of symptoms and anticoagulation therapy-related complications.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the successful implementation of the app-based Ablation Solution, showcasing widespread patient use, improved adherence, and enhanced understanding of AF and its treatments. The system effectively connects healthcare providers with patients, offering a promising approach to streamline AF catheter ablation management and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Care digitalization; Catheter ablation; Knowledge; Outpatient care; Patient education; Patient engagement.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: N.F. reports institutional educational support from Biosense Webster and Synapse Medical as well as speakers fees from Daiichi Sankyo, unrelated to the submitted work. G.S. reports personal fees from Abbott, Bayer, Boston Scientific, Bayer, Johnson and Johnson Medical, and Luma Vision, not related to the present study, and consulting fees from Boston Scientific related to the present study. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Graphical Abstract
Graphical Abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
Description of the customized treatment path based on the application.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patient compliance with the steps required by the treatment path and execution timings.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Survey questions on patient atrial fibrillation knowledge (PRE-admission: 60 respondents, POST-discharge: 43 respondents).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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