| Patient knowledge and perceptions of atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant therapy: effects of an educational intervention programme. The West Birmingham Atrial Fibrillation Project. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 16253356 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVE: Previous research has demonstrated that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) possess very little knowledge of their disease, the consequences of AF and the benefits/risks of anti-coagulant therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to examine patient's knowledge and perceptions of AF and their anticoagulant treatment before and after a brief educational intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients (47 male; mean (S.D.) age 67.3 (11.6) years) completed the baseline interview to assess their knowledge and perceptions of AF. All patients were given an information booklet which explained what AF was, associated symptoms, the possible causes and consequences of AF, treatment options and their benefits/risks, what the INR is and what factors may effect it. The booklet was explained to each patient by the researcher and given to the patient to take away for reference. Thirty-three (35.5%) patients (12 men; mean (S.D.) age 68.0 (13.6) years) completed the follow-up assessment to re-assess their knowledge and perceptions of AF. RESULTS: Only 49% of patients could name their cardiac condition at baseline, although the majority were aware that AF was an arrhythmia (80% baseline vs. 91% follow-up). Only about half the patients perceived AF as a serious condition or were aware that AF predisposes to thromboembolism at baseline. Following the educational intervention there was a non-significant increase in patient knowledge of the risks associated with AF. Of those who completed both questionnaires, 52% were aware that anticoagulants prevented blood clots, which increased to 70% post-intervention. However, few patients were aware of the benefit of stroke prevention associated with anticoagulants at baseline (21%) or after the educational intervention (27%). The intervention had little effect on increasing awareness of the bleeding risks associated with anticoagulants, although three in five people appeared to appreciate these risks. However, the educational intervention significantly improved patient's knowledge of the target INR range and factors that may affect INR levels (p=0.001 and p=0.014, respectively) for those who completed both questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with AF possess very limited knowledge about their cardiac condition, its consequences, and how anticoagulant treatment can benefit them. This pilot study has demonstrated that a brief educational intervention with an information booklet can help to somewhat improve their knowledge about anticoagulation therapy for AF. |
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Authors:
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Deirdre A Lane; Jennie Ponsford; Alison Shelley; Anu Sirpal; Gregory Y H Lip |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Date: 2005-10-25 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: International journal of cardiology Volume: 110 ISSN: 0167-5273 ISO Abbreviation: Int. J. Cardiol. Publication Date: 2006 Jun |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2006-06-12 Completed Date: 2006-11-13 Revised Date: 2007-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8200291 Medline TA: Int J Cardiol Country: Ireland |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 354-8 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, B18 7QH England, UK. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Aged Anticoagulants / therapeutic use* Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy*, psychology Female Follow-Up Studies Great Britain Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice* Humans Interviews as Topic Male Patient Education as Topic* Patients / psychology* Pilot Projects Questionnaires |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Anticoagulants |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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