title: [Managing the atrial fibrillation process: an integral approach].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study was developed in 3 phases, with the following aims: To define the most appropriate management process for atrial fibrillation (AF) from the point of view of the health professionals and the patients. To determine how it is managed in daily practice. To identify the changes required in order that this daily practice may come closer to that of an appropriate management process.
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  1st phase: consensus techniques were used, as well as a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and a focus group with patients. 2nd phase: included a questionnaire. 3rd phase: 3 nominal groups and 3 focus groups were formed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary Care and Cardiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Family doctors, cardiologists, and patients, in the first phase, and family doctors in the second and third phases.
  
  
  METHODS
  1st phase: a flow diagram was designed with its explanatory notes on the correct care process for AF. 2nd phase: how AF was managed in current practice. 3rd phase: barriers for using the correct care process were identified, and proposals for their improvement were defined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost 40% of the family doctors were involved in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients with FA. Training, cooperation between specialties, motivation, working in a team with nursing, and organisational changes were identified as essential factors for a proper management process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AF can be managed from Primary Care. To do this, important changes are required in the care organisation. Training, along with support and communication between care levels are also seen as necessary.
authors: CdS Ondarreta, Comarca Guipúzcoa, Osakidetza, País Vasco, Spain. fpalacio2001@gmail.com
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Palacio Lapuente
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hernandez Galindo
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Amezqueta Goñi
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Lapuente Heppe
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Sola Saravia
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D019090:Case Management / Q000592:standards; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires