Patient perspectives on same-day discharge following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: results from a patient survey as part of the monocentric FAST AFA trial

Abstract

Introduction Same-day discharge (SDD) following catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) was already introduced in selected facilities in Europe but a widespread implementation has not yet succeeded. Data on patients’ perspectives is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a survey to address patients’ beliefs towards SDD and identify variables that are associated with their evaluation. Methods and results As part of the prospective, monocentric FAST AFA trial, patients aged ≥20 years undergoing left atrial CA for AF were asked to participate in the survey consisting of a study-specific questionnaire, the AF knowledge scale and pre-defined PROMs. The study cohort was stratified based on SDD willingness and a logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for patients’ valuation. Between 07/26/2021-07/01/2022, 256 of 376 screened patients consented to study participation of whom 248 (mean age 61.8 years, 33.9% female) completed the SDD survey. Of them, 50.0% were willing to have SDD concepts integrated into their clinical course with increased patient comfort (27.5%), shorter waiting times (14.6%) and a cost-efficient treatment (14.0%) being imaginable benefits. In contrast, expressed concerns included uncertainties with occurring complaints (50.6%), and the insufficient recognition (47.8%) and treatment (48.9%) of complications. EHRA class at baseline and inpatient treatments within the preceding year were predictors for SDD willingness whereas comorbidity burden or AF knowledge were not. Conclusion We provide a detailed survey expressing patients’ beliefs towards SDD following left atrial CA. Our findings may facilitate adequate patient selection to improve the future implementation of SDD programs in suitable cohorts.