Assessing the need for rehabilitation programme for individuals living with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Saudi Arabia cultural Bureau. Introduction Individuals living with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can experience a variety of symptoms such as palpitation, dyspnea, fatigue and dizziness which lead to reduced physical activity levels and quality of life.(1) Current management of AF mainly focus on pharmacological treatments and invasive procedures, while no routine prescription of exercise or rehabilitation programme is offered. Aims To understand the severity of symptoms that individuals with AF may experience and their preference of a structured rehabilitation programme. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted through the phone and face to face between 20th of September and 20thof December 2021 for individuals with documented AF. The survey included fifteen multiple-choice closed questions and free text spaces for additional comments. Results Overall, 50 individuals (54% male, mean (SD) age 62 (15) years) with a clinical diagnosis of AF were approached and participated in the study. The majority of participants reported they had a severe shortness of breath 27 (54%) and 25 (50%) reported a severe levels of anxiety related to living with AF. In addition, 20 (40%) reported a severe levels of tiredness and 20 (40%) demonstrated a mild palpitations. Moreover, 8 (16%) reported a severe feeling of faint or lightheaded, while chest pain was the least symptom which only 3 (6%) rated it as a severe. (Figure 1). 47 (94%) of participants reported their desire to participate into a programme which could help managing their symptoms, and 35 (70%) reported their preference to receive the programme at home, while 30 (60%) reported a preference for a web-based rehabilitation programme with support from healthcare professionals (HCPs). (Figure 2). Conclusion The responses indicate a need for a rehabilitation programme for individuals living with AF. Shortness of breath, anxiety and tiredness were the main bothersome symptoms. Home-based rehabilitation was the most preferred way to deliver the programme followed by using digital interventions.