Cardiologists' experiences and perceptions of patient involvement and communication related to shared decision-making regarding atrial fibrillation treatment.

Abstract

To feel involved in decisions about atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment, patients need supportive communication from cardiologists. Shedding light on cardiologists' perceptions of patient involvement in AF care settings is thus of importance. We examine (1) how cardiologists describe patient involvement and communication related to shared decisionmaking regarding AF treatment, and (2) their perceptions of efforts to involve patients in the treatment decisions. Ten cardiologists were interviewed in four Swedish hospitals. A qualitative content analysis was performed on the interview data. Cardiologists' perceptions of patient involvement in treatment decisions are framed in terms of (1) ideology, (2) experience, and (3) responsibility. By taking into account patients' feelings in the consultations, and by actively encouraging patients to be involved, the cardiologists contributed to patient involvement. One key to improving compliance with legislation aimed at increasing patient involvement in treatment decisions could lie in paying attention to physician-patient communication and the conditions for patient involvement in decision-making about treatment.