Dancing with atrial fibrillation - How arrhythmia affects everyday life of family members: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Patients with AF often experience debilitating symptoms, stress and reduced health-related quality of life. Previous qualitative research on AF has primarily focused on the patient. AF, however, can also be burdensome for the patient's family.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore how family members experience life when a close member in the family has AF.

Method

Transcribed focus group interviews were analysed using content analysis approach inspired by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

Two focus group interviews were conducted with 11 family members. The overall theme was Dancing with AF. The theme emerged from three categories: 1) Handling AF as a living condition, 2) Influencing the

SUBMITTER: Rosenstrom S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8259977 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature