Information and support
Risks and benefits of treatment options were a main focal point of the information provided during consultations. Clinicians describe giving very detailed information using statistics and evidence about how the procedure works and its risks and benefits: “I actually go through all the complications. I tell them the percentage…I never miss those details… Because I don’t want them to be surprised.”-Clinician 5. However, they also acknowledge that patients struggle to retain most of the information they receive: “I’m pretty sure they’re not absorbing most of what I’m saying. There are some who try; and there are many who say…I’m not sure what’s going on, but I know you—we’ve been together—I trust you, so, let’s do this.” - Clinician 4.
Most patients report having a vague understanding of what ablations entail but did not understand the details, and most were aware that AF could recur after ablation but did not recall the specific risks of the procedure. Many patients recalled a discussion about the risks of staying on medications, which was a major reason for having the ablation, but some had expectations about being able to discontinue both antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant medications after the ablation that they now report were unrealistic: “I was aware of the operation, and it’s not such a big deal, and the success rate is like 95% positive…I was just hopeful that maybe I could get off of the Eliquis and maybe a couple of other medications. But, it didn’t happen. But, it might happen later, who knows.” -Patient 6.