Patients' Perspectives on Commencing Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: An Exploratory Qualitative Descriptive Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in order to lower stroke risk. However, patient refusal to commence OACs hinders effective anticoagulation. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to patient agreement to commence OACs from the perspectives of patients with AF attending Australian general practices.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study utilising semi-structured individual interviews was conducted from March to July 2022.

Results

Ten patients (60% male, median age = 78.5 years) completed interviews. Patients' passive roles in decision-making were identified as a facilitator. Other prominent facilitators included doctors explaining adequately and aligning their recommendations with patients'

SUBMITTER: Gebreyohannes EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10609834 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature