The Effect of Nurse Practitioner Led-Care on Quality of Life in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation
About this trial
This is an interventional health services research trial for Atrial Fibrillation focused on measuring Atrial Fibrillation, Health Related Quality of Life, Nurse Practitioner, Sustainable Models of Healthcare, Patient Satisfaction
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Documented non valvular atrial fibrillation
- Able to provide informed consent
- Able and willing to complete the study questionnaires on own or with assistance
Exclusion Criteria:
- Referral is for atrioventricular node ablation or pulmonary vein isolation.
- Patients who have failed antiarrhythmic medications
- Patients with moderate to severe mitral or aortic valvular heart disease
- Clinically unstable atrial fibrillation
- Cannot or unwilling to attend follow-up appointments
Sites / Locations
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institution
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Nurse Practitioner Led-Care
Cardiologist Led-Care
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Intervention Initial Visit and Interventions: An experienced nurse practitioner with extra atrial fibrillation (AF) management training will complete the initial assessment to determine a treatment plan based on current AF Guidelines. The NP will provide patient education on AF management. Follow-up: Follow-up will occur at 3 and 6 months from baseline to evaluate the patient's response to treatment and will be modified as required based on AF symptoms, testing results and physical assessment. A physician will be consulted for advanced specialty AF management or if a patient requires admission to hospital.
Standard Care Initial Visit and Intervention: A general cardiologist will manage patients as per their usual practice. Follow-up: As per the cardiologist's usual practice. The patient's care will remain with the family physician if no follow-up is required. Follow-up: Follow-up will be determined as per the cardiologist's usual practice. If a follow-up appointment is required it will done in the cardiologist's own independent clinic. The patient's care will be referred back to the family physician if no follow-up is required.