Host Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, of the University Medical Centre Groningen & University of Adelaide, is joined by Andrea Robinson, MSN, ACNP, from Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth, and Jeroen ML Hendriks, PhD, RN, of Maastricht University Medical Centre, in this episode.

The AF-EduCare trial investigated whether targeted patient education (delivered in-person or online) could reduce unplanned cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The study found that while education improved patient knowledge, medication adherence, and risk factor awareness, it did not significantly reduce cardiovascular hospitalizations, emergency visits, or mortality compared to standard care. However, subgroup analyses suggested that younger patients, those without heart failure, and asymptomatic AF patients might benefit more from in-person education. The findings highlight that while education enhances patient engagement, comprehensive medical management and timely clinical interventions remain the key drivers of improved cardiovascular outcomes in AF care. 

Join us for this in-depth conversation about the trial.

 

https://www.hrsonline.org/education/TheLead https://academic.oup.com/europace/article/27/1/euae211/7964628

Host Disclosure(s): M. Middeldorp: Nothing to disclose.

Contributor Disclosure(s): A. Robinson: Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Medtronic, Inc., AtriCure, Inc., Biosense Webster, Inc. J. Kendriks: Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Biotronik

 

This episode has .25 ACE credits associated with it. If you want credit for listening to this episode, please visit the episode page on HRS365: https://www.heartrhythm365.org/URL/TheLeadEpisode98