Projects per year
Abstract
Methods: This mixed-methods study in São Paulo, included adults (≥18y) with AF from 13 primary/secondary healthcare facilities. Surveys using baseline, follow-up (administered ≥two months after baseline) and COVID-19 questionnaires (quantitative), and three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Minimum sample size for the quantitative component was 236 and we aimed to reach saturation with at least three FGDs for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data and a content analysis was used for qualitative data to identify themes related to AF diagnosis and follow-up care.
Results: 267 participants completed the baseline questionnaire: 25% were diagnosed in primary care, 65% in an emergency or inpatient department. At follow-up (n = 259), 31% visited more than one facility for AF care, and 7% had no follow-up. Intervals between international normalised ratio (INR) tests were increased during the pandemic, and the number of healthcare visits and availability of medication were reduced. Seventeen patients participated in three FGDs and revealed that AF diagnosis often occurred following a medical emergency and patients often delay care-seeking due to misconceptions about AF symptoms. Long waiting times, doctor/patient interactions and health system factors, such as doctor availability and the referral system, influence where participants visited for follow-up care.
Conclusions: Lack of public awareness and underdeveloped primary healthcare lead to delayed diagnosis, which impacts clinical outcomes and excess patient and healthcare system costs. Health system, care-provider, and pandemic factors disrupt timely and effective continuity of care.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e0292463 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | PLOS One |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12 Oct 2023 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Identifying and understanding the care pathway of patients with atrial fibrillation in Brazil and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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NIHR Global Research Group on Atrial Fibrillation - OPEN FOR DISSEMINATION ONLY
Lasserson, D. (Co-Investigator), Manaseki-Holland, S. (Co-Investigator), Cheng, K. (Co-Investigator), Moore, D. (Co-Investigator), Jolly, K. (Co-Investigator), Greenfield, S. (Co-Investigator), Jowett, S. (Co-Investigator), Brocklehurst, P. (Co-Investigator), Nirantharakumar, K. (Co-Investigator), Szmigin, I. (Co-Investigator), Kirchhof, P. (Co-Investigator), Gough, R. (Co-Investigator) & Thomas, N. (Principal Investigator)
NIHR CENTRAL COMMISSIONING FACILITY
1/04/18 → 30/11/24
Project: Other Government Departments