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Effect of Targeted Education for Atrial Fibrillation Patients (Application Substudy) (AF-EduApp)

Primary Purpose

Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter

Status
Completed
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
Belgium
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Education
Sponsored by
University Hospital, Antwerp
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter focused on measuring Education, Application, Adherence

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age ≥ 18 years.
  2. Patients in whom AF or atrial flutter is diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (12-lead, holter,...).
  3. Patients who are capable to sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Not able to speak and read Dutch.
  2. Cognitive impaired (e.g. severe dementia).
  3. Life expectancy is estimated to be less than 1 year.
  4. Ongoing participation in another clinical trial.
  5. Pregnant women

Sites / Locations

  • Antwerp University Hospital
  • Jessa Hospital

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm 4

Arm Type

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

No Intervention

Arm Label

Application-driven education (AF-EduApp substudy)

In-person education (AF-EduCare study)

Online education (AF-EduCare study)

Standard care (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduAppsub study)

Arm Description

Education will be given via a newly developed application. Medication adherence (oral anticoagulation) will be measured using a special bottle cap that fits on a medication bottle. The patients in this group will receive feedback (notification and/or alarm) during the entire study period via this application when these patients have to take their medication.

Education will be given on regular basis via predefined consultation visits. Medication adherence (oral anticoagulation) will also be measured using a special bottle cap that fits on a medication bottle. If adherence is low, the patient will get additional feedback when he does not take this medication as prescribed.

Education will be given on regular basis via a special designed online platform. Medication adherence (oral anticoagulation) will also be measured using a special bottle cap that fits on a medication bottle. If adherence is low, the patient will get additional feedback when he does not take this medication as prescribed.

This group of AF patients will serve as a control group and no extra focused educational reinforcements will be provided beyond standard care (i.e. information of the treating physician and a brochure).

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Patients' adherence to medication (oral anticoagulation), measured by the Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Patients' knowledge level, assessed by the Jessa Atrial fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire (JAKQ)
This questionnaire includes 16 knowledge questions: 8 about atrial fibrillation, 5 about oral anticoagulation medication and 3 about vitamine K antagonists or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. A total score between 0% and 100% will be generated in which 100% is the best possible score (all questions are answered correctly).
Patients' quality of life, assessed by the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire and the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-Life (AFEQT) Questionnaire.
The EQ-5D-3L descriptive system includes a total of 5 questions for 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each question has 3 levels (no problems, some problems, and extreme problems). The EQ Visual Analogue Scale records the patient's self-rated health on a vertical visual analogue scale where the endpoints are labelled 'Best imaginable health state' (score of 100) and 'Worst imaginable health state' (score of 0).
Patients' quality of life, assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-Life (AFEQT) Questionnaire.
The AFEQT is an atrial fibrillation-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire based on 18 questions in the domain of symptoms, daily activities and treatment concerns. A treatment satisfaction score can be calculated based on 2 additional questions. All questions are rated on a 7 point Likert scale. A scoring key is used to determine an overall AFEQT score and a treatment satisfaction score ranging from 0 to 100. A lower score indicates a worse health-related quality of life.
Patients' symptom burden, assessed by the Leuven ARrhythmia Questionnaire (LARQ).
The LARQ is based on 6 atrial fibrillation-related symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, dizziness and fatigue. For each of these symptoms (except syncope), symptom prevalence, occurrence (frequency, duration, severity), distress, circumstances triggering the symptom, and effect on daily activities are requested. Subscale scores on five domains (symptom frequency, duration, effect on daily activities, severity and distress) are calculated by summing the raw scores and transforming them to a 0-100 scale. Higher scores represent a more pronounced symptom burden.
Patients' self-care capabilities, assessed by the Self-Care Questionnaire (SCQ).
This questionnaire includes a total of 15 questions. The first 6 questions will be scored on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. 1 is the best score and 5 is the worst score. The other 9 questions measure evolutions of self-care capabilities over time.
Patients' satisfaction of the intervention will be assessed by a study specific Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) questionnaire.
The number of questions will depend on the specific group allocation, ranging from a minimum of 4 questions to a maximum of 20 questions. These questions assess patients' satisfaction and opinion about the education provided during the study.

Full Information

First Posted
December 5, 2018
Last Updated
November 2, 2022
Sponsor
University Hospital, Antwerp
Collaborators
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Universiteit Antwerpen
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03788044
Brief Title
Effect of Targeted Education for Atrial Fibrillation Patients (Application Substudy)
Acronym
AF-EduApp
Official Title
Effect of Targeted Education for Atrial Fibrillation Patients (Application Substudy)
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
November 2022
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
October 28, 2019 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
September 30, 2022 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
September 30, 2022 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
University Hospital, Antwerp
Collaborators
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Universiteit Antwerpen

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate a new and innovative educational application based on targeted education on the adherence level for NOACs (non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants) in AF patients, compared with standard care, online targeted education and in-person targeted education. Several other parameters (knowledge level, quality of life, symptom burden, self-care capabilities, evaluation of educational efforts) will be studied. If resources allow, cardiovascular outcomes, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility will also be investigated.
Detailed Description
This substudy is part of the AF-EduCare study (NCT03707873): an extra study arm will be added to the main trial in which eligible AF patients (= in possession of a smartphone and capable working with their smartphone) will test this new educational application. Not eligible patients randomized to this group, will receive standard care. This extra study arm will additionally include an anticipated 221 patients (eligible plus not eligible patients). [An anticipated total of 1259 AF patients will be included for the AF-EduCare study (1038 AF patients) plus the AF-EduApp substudy (221 AF patients).]

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter
Keywords
Education, Application, Adherence

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
AF patients will be divided in four groups (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy): one group will have application-based education (AF-EduApp substudy), the second group will have in-person education (AF-EduCare study), the third group will have online education (AF-EduCare study) and the fourth group will receive standard AF care (AF-EduCare study and not eligible for AF-EduApp substudy). NOAC adherence will be compared between these groups.
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
194 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Application-driven education (AF-EduApp substudy)
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Education will be given via a newly developed application. Medication adherence (oral anticoagulation) will be measured using a special bottle cap that fits on a medication bottle. The patients in this group will receive feedback (notification and/or alarm) during the entire study period via this application when these patients have to take their medication.
Arm Title
In-person education (AF-EduCare study)
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Education will be given on regular basis via predefined consultation visits. Medication adherence (oral anticoagulation) will also be measured using a special bottle cap that fits on a medication bottle. If adherence is low, the patient will get additional feedback when he does not take this medication as prescribed.
Arm Title
Online education (AF-EduCare study)
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Education will be given on regular basis via a special designed online platform. Medication adherence (oral anticoagulation) will also be measured using a special bottle cap that fits on a medication bottle. If adherence is low, the patient will get additional feedback when he does not take this medication as prescribed.
Arm Title
Standard care (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduAppsub study)
Arm Type
No Intervention
Arm Description
This group of AF patients will serve as a control group and no extra focused educational reinforcements will be provided beyond standard care (i.e. information of the treating physician and a brochure).
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
Education
Intervention Description
Education + Medication adherence monitoring + Feedback when low adherence
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Patients' adherence to medication (oral anticoagulation), measured by the Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS).
Time Frame
Monitored between 0-12 months and 12-15 months if resources allow.
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Patients' knowledge level, assessed by the Jessa Atrial fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire (JAKQ)
Description
This questionnaire includes 16 knowledge questions: 8 about atrial fibrillation, 5 about oral anticoagulation medication and 3 about vitamine K antagonists or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. A total score between 0% and 100% will be generated in which 100% is the best possible score (all questions are answered correctly).
Time Frame
at baseline,1 month,3-,6-,12 months in the application group.(+18-and if applicable at 24-,30-,36 months/at the end of the study in the other intervention groups).In the standard care groups at 12 or 18 months (if applicable at the end of the study).
Title
Patients' quality of life, assessed by the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire and the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-Life (AFEQT) Questionnaire.
Description
The EQ-5D-3L descriptive system includes a total of 5 questions for 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression). Each question has 3 levels (no problems, some problems, and extreme problems). The EQ Visual Analogue Scale records the patient's self-rated health on a vertical visual analogue scale where the endpoints are labelled 'Best imaginable health state' (score of 100) and 'Worst imaginable health state' (score of 0).
Time Frame
at baseline, 3- and 12 months in the application group.(+18-and if applicable at 36 months/at the end of the study in the other intervention groups.) In the standard care groups at baseline and 12 or 18 months (and if applicable at the end of the study).
Title
Patients' quality of life, assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-Life (AFEQT) Questionnaire.
Description
The AFEQT is an atrial fibrillation-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire based on 18 questions in the domain of symptoms, daily activities and treatment concerns. A treatment satisfaction score can be calculated based on 2 additional questions. All questions are rated on a 7 point Likert scale. A scoring key is used to determine an overall AFEQT score and a treatment satisfaction score ranging from 0 to 100. A lower score indicates a worse health-related quality of life.
Time Frame
at baseline and 12 months in the application group.(+18-and if applicable at 36 months/at the end of the study in the other intervention groups.) In the standard care groups at baseline and 12 or 18 months (and if applicable at the end of the study).
Title
Patients' symptom burden, assessed by the Leuven ARrhythmia Questionnaire (LARQ).
Description
The LARQ is based on 6 atrial fibrillation-related symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, dizziness and fatigue. For each of these symptoms (except syncope), symptom prevalence, occurrence (frequency, duration, severity), distress, circumstances triggering the symptom, and effect on daily activities are requested. Subscale scores on five domains (symptom frequency, duration, effect on daily activities, severity and distress) are calculated by summing the raw scores and transforming them to a 0-100 scale. Higher scores represent a more pronounced symptom burden.
Time Frame
at baseline,3- and 12 months in the application group.(+18-and if applicable at 36 months/at the end of the study in the other intervention groups).In the standard care groups at baseline and 12 or 18 months (and if applicable at the end of the study).
Title
Patients' self-care capabilities, assessed by the Self-Care Questionnaire (SCQ).
Description
This questionnaire includes a total of 15 questions. The first 6 questions will be scored on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. 1 is the best score and 5 is the worst score. The other 9 questions measure evolutions of self-care capabilities over time.
Time Frame
at baseline, 3- and 12 months in the application group. (+18-and if applicable 36 months/at the end of the study in the other intervention groups).In the standard care groups at baseline and 12 or 18 months (and if applicable at the end of the study).
Title
Patients' satisfaction of the intervention will be assessed by a study specific Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) questionnaire.
Description
The number of questions will depend on the specific group allocation, ranging from a minimum of 4 questions to a maximum of 20 questions. These questions assess patients' satisfaction and opinion about the education provided during the study.
Time Frame
at 12 months in all intervention groups and 12 or 18 months in the standard care groups.
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
The first occurrence of a cardiovascular event
Description
The first occurrence of a composite of cardiovascular death, a first cardiovascular hospitalization (i.e. hospitalization with overnight stay) and a first unplanned cardiovascular or neurological visit.
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Mortality
Description
The occurrence of death will be followed.
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Number of (un)planned hospital admissions
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Hospital duration
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Number of (un)planned cardiovascular and neurological visits
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Number of cardiovascular emergency department visits
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
General practitioner visits
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Exact time investments (in minutes)
Description
Time investments will be tracked (e.g. timing of the initiation session, the education sessions, feedback during medication telemonitoring, time spended on the application time and content usage).
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Cost-utility analysis
Description
In all groups, the economic impact of hospitalizations, consultations, emergency department visits will be calculated using all relevant costs of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic/interventional procedures, based on the mean of hospital bills of each participating hospital. Since quality of life is evaluated throughout the trial, a cost-utility analysis will be performed.
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.
Title
Cost-effectiveness analysis
Description
In all groups, the economic impact of hospitalizations, consultations, emergency department visits will be calculated using all relevant costs of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic/interventional procedures, based on the mean of hospital bills of each participating hospital. With this data, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed.
Time Frame
Patients (AF-EduCare study and AF-EduApp substudy) will be followed for a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 36 months.

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 18 years. Patients in whom AF or atrial flutter is diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (12-lead, holter,...). Patients who are capable to sign the informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Not able to speak and read Dutch. Cognitive impaired (e.g. severe dementia). Life expectancy is estimated to be less than 1 year. Ongoing participation in another clinical trial. Pregnant women
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Hein Heidbuchel, MD, Phd
Organizational Affiliation
University Hospital of Antwerp
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Antwerp University Hospital
City
Edegem
Country
Belgium
Facility Name
Jessa Hospital
City
Hasselt
Country
Belgium

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

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Effect of Targeted Education for Atrial Fibrillation Patients (Application Substudy)

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