A collaborative approach to designing an intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Background: Patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased risk of stroke, and need to adhere to treatment and lifestyle recommendations to reduce likelihood of adverse events. AF patients are often highly symptomatic relying on subjective indicators to manage their illness. Method: Intervention design comprised two parallel processes: (1) targeting theoretical constructs within the common sense model and (2) piloting intervention materials, using expert patient panels (2 focus groups with 6 patients), individual patient interviews (n 1⁄4 6) and expert cardiologist feedback. Findings: Each component of the intervention was adapted and moderated following patient and cardiologist feedback, e.g. presentation of risk information. The final intervention comprises DVD (including patient narratives), worksheets, patient education booklet and a self-monitoring diary. It is currently being evaluated in a randomised control trial [ISRCTN93952605]. Discussion: Health psychologists play an intrinsic role in this collaborative process, whereby intervention development evolves through theoretical and pragmatic piloting.