They still like to get a letter – Patient preference for follow-up after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Several studies have shown that phone calls are an effective but resource-intensive follow-up (FU) method to collect patient reported data (PROM) after discharge from hospital. No studies regarding FU methods are available for patients treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). We wanted to examine the recent practice and resource needs for telephone contact. Method: In a 4-month period, we called 167 patients scheduled for RFA of AF on their mobile telephones. We registered the number of attempts needed to reach patients (maximum 3 times). In addition to medical issues, 70 of the patients were asked how they would like to answer FU questions after RFA. Results: Of the 167 patients, we received 96 responses (57%) on the first dialling attempt, 35 responses (21.%) on the second dialling attempt and no responses (n=36) on the third dialling attempt (22%). Of the 167 patients, 131 (78.4%) responded. Of these 167 patients, 135 were men. Regarding patient preference for FU, 50 (71.4%) favoured a questionnaire with a stamped return envelope. Conclusion: As in other patient groups, we demonstrate that telephone FU in AF patients is a resource-intensive task. For sufficient data quality, a higher response rate is required. Conclusion: As in other patient groups, we demonstrate that telephone FU in AF patients is a resource-intensive task. For sufficient data quality, a higher response rate is required.