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.