Understanding HCP views about delivering a rehabilitation programme for people living with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Abstract Background People living with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can experience symptoms such as palpitation, dyspnea, fatigue and dizziness which lead to reduced physical activity levels and quality of life [1,2]. Current management of AF mainly focus on pharmacological treatments and invasive procedures, while no routine prescription of exercise or rehabilitation programme is offered. Purpose To assess the views and opinions of healthcare professionals about delivering a tailored exercise/cardiac rehabilitation programme to people living with AF, and to explore the barriers in referral to this programme. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted online between April and September 2021 for healthcare professionals who are involved in the care for adults with AF in UK. A range of professions were targeted, including general practitioners, cardiac physicians, physiotherapists and nurses. The survey comprised twelve questions designed to explore healthcare professional views about rehabilitation programmes for adults with AF, factors influencing their decision to recommend rehabilitation and barriers to the referral process. Results Overall, n=209 participants responded from a wide range of disciplines (57% female, 43% specialist arrhythmia nurses). The majority of participants agreed that a rehabilitation programme would be beneficial to support patients to perform daily activities (127, 61%), with n=123, 58% agreeing that rehabilitation programme would be beneficial in reducing breathlessness and would reduce other symptoms such as palpitation (108, 52%). Nearly all the healthcare professional (n=206/99%) suggested that a tailored programme should include information about AF (206, 99%), weight management and symptom management (n=197, 94%) aside from exercise. The factors that strongly influence their decision to refer to a rehabilitation programme included patients with low physical activity levels (n=166, 80%) and low exercise tolerance (n=157, 76%). The main barrier in referring to the programme was transportation problems (n=128, 62%) (Figure 1). The majority reported that home based programme would be the best way to deliver the programme (166, 79%) (Figure 2). Conclusions The responses indicate the enthusiasm for a programme targeting people with AF, poor activity levels was the main reason for referral. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.