Abstract
Aim:
The aim of the study was to illuminate activities at nurse- based atrial fibrillation/arrhythmia clinics in Sweden.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cause of arrhythmia and it is expected that the number of patients with atrial fibrillation will continue to increase. It has been shown that in-patient care can be reduced by following up these patients using guidelines at a nurse-based clinic. The patients were better informed about their illness and guidelines were more comprehensively implemented.
Method:
An interview study with a descriptive approach and telephone interviews based on a questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative questions was carried out with staff from 14 clinics.
Findings:
The results show that patients with atrial fibrillation were treated using the recommended guidelines, but the inclusion criteria for this population differed among clinics. Patients with atrial fibrillation are in need of structured follow-up and designated support.
Conclusion:
Nurse-based clinics for patients with atrial fibrillation are not yet common in Sweden. The results of the study indicate that more atrial fibrillation/arrhythmia clinics should be started, and show how structured care at the clinics should be implemented.