AP-453071-2 SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS ATRIAL FIBRILLATION EDUCATION DIRECTED BY ALLIED PROFESSIONALS FOR IMPROVED PATIENT CARE

Abstract

Patient education programs are an integral component of care, which helps promote patient engagement and improved clinical outcomes. The role and durability of virtual learning programs for patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (AF) requires further study. To assess the utilization, acceptance, durability, and benefits of virtual learning for pts with atrial fibrillation as well as the impact on virtual care models. A comprehensive 3-hour virtual symposium on AF via an online video platform was offered to pts and family in 2021 and 2022. The program was sponsored by an academic teaching hospital free to pts and promoted through social media. Participants could watch live and the recorded presentation was also made available for future viewing. A follow up survey was sent to attendees that included questions on demographic information and opinions regarding virtual education and care. Comparisons were made between the 2022 and 2021 programs. A total of 465 participants registered for the 2022 program (48% increase from 2021) and 146 participants logged on (31% of registrants - down from 34% in 2021). A follow-up survey was sent to all registrants with 55 respondents, (89% watched the program live). Most respondents were >65 years old (58%); female (76%), Caucasian (89%), completed graduate school (40%) and lived 50+ miles away (36%). Four patients were from outside the US. Minority populations were under-represented relative to the local population demographics (black 0%, Hispanic 1.8%). The total cost of the program was $20/pt. The majority of respondents (58% - an increase of 22% from 2021) indicated they preferred a virtual program and if they had a choice, 61% preferred virtual (11% increase); and 53% indicated that program participation increased the likelihood of them performing a remote/virtual clinic visit with their provider. COVID was no longer an influence for most (57.4%). Presentations were made publicly available after the October 2022 program and have been viewed 247 times. Virtual education for pts with AF can be successfully offered, with a high enrollment rate at a fraction of the cost of an in-person program. Attendees generally prefer virtual over in person and can increase participation worldwide. This program influences future acceptance of virtual care as well as potential models of virtual care delivery. Greater efforts need to be made, however, to include under-represented populations.