The experiences of con sultations on oral anticoagula-tion for AF: the importance of qualitative research incardiovascular sciences

C.B. Xuereb, R.L. Shaw, G.Y.H. Lip, D.A. Lane

Research output: Contribution to journalConference abstractpeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: Multiple-perspective qualitative designs can aid researchersto develop a more multifaceted account of a phenomenon and as aform of triangulation of data. Two interlinking studies aimed toexplore patients’ and physicians’ experiences of atrial fibrillation (AF)and warfarin.Methods: Audio-recorded semistructured individual interviews wereused. Study 1: Three AF patient subgroups were interviewed (n = 11);accepted, refused, or discontinued warfarin. Study 2: Four physiciansubgroups (n = 16): consultant cardiologists, consultant general physi-cians, general practitioners, and cardiology registrars. Data was ana-lyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitativemethodology.Results: Study 1: Three overarching themes comprised patients’ experi-ences: the initial consultation, life after the consultation, and patients’reflections. Patients commented on the reassurance experienced duringthe consultation, but they perceived the decision-making processmostly led by the physician. Lack of education and take-home materi-als during the initial consultation were highlighted. Patients’ uptake ofinformation was influenced by past experiences and knowledge ofstroke and/or bleeding. Study 2: Two overarching themes covered phy-sicians’ experiences: communicating information and challenges withwarfarin prescription for AF. Physicians’ approach to the consultationstyle shifted through a continuum of compliance-adherence-concor-dance during the consultation. Time and the perceived patient trust inthem as the expert led to physicians to adopt a paternalistic approach.Guideline adherence and the need to adopt a multidisciplinaryapproach were pointed out as current challenges.Conclusion: There is a need to target patients’ and physicians’ abilityto communicate with each other in a comprehensible way. This projecthas illustrated the benefit of using a qualitative approach to under-stand the lived experience of the physician–patient consultation.Disclosure of Interest: None declare
Original languageEnglish
Article numberCOA10
Pages (from-to)11
Number of pages1
JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Volume12
Issue numberS1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jun 2014
Event60th Annual Meeting of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis - Milwaukee, United States
Duration: 23 Jun 201426 Jun 2014

Bibliographical note

Special Issue: Abstracts of the 60th Annual Meeting of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis June 23-26, 2014

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