Atrial fibrillation care in rural communities: a mixed methods study of physician and patient perspectives.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious heart arrhythmia associated with devastating outcomes such as stroke. Inequitable rural AF care may put patients at risk. Virtually delivered specialty AF care offers a viable option, but stakeholder perceptions of this option within the context of rural AF care is unknown. The study purpose was to obtain patient and primary care physician perspectives of rural AF care and virtually delivered AF care as a potential option. METHODS:Using a mixed methods design, AF patients (n = 101) and physicians (n = 15) from three rural communities participated in focus groups and/or surveys. Focus group data were thematically analyzed, survey data were descriptively analyzed, and data were triangulated. RESULTS:Findings captured patients' and physicians'

SUBMITTER: Rush KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6813979 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature