title: Patient perspective on the management of atrial fibrillation in five European countries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Long-term management of chronic conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), require frequent interactions with the healthcare systems. The multinational EUropean Patient Survey in Atrial Fibrillation (EUPS-AF) was conducted to investigate patient satisfaction with AF management in different of five European healthcare systems at a time of changing treatment paradigms for stroke prophylaxis, prior to the advent of newer oral anticoagulants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults (>18 years) were recruited at random from the total populations of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK using a randomized telephone dialling system. At least 300 respondents per country reporting to have a diagnosis of AF or receiving oral anticoagulation therapy for suspected AF or to have a heart rhythm disturbance completed a structured telephone interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most respondents were satisfied with their treatment for AF over the previous 12 months, with 85.5% (n = 1289) rating their care as good or better. Suboptimal clinical practices, however, were identified in several key areas. Coordination of primary and secondary care and a lack of patient engagement and support were particular issues, especially for those patients likely to have extensive contact with their healthcare system.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the context of Europe-wide guidelines for management of AF, most patients with AF were satisfied with their care, but for a greater proportion of patients, some aspects are unsatisfactory. Patient-centred surveys, such as the EUPS-AF, are crucial for understanding the factors that contribute to patient satisfaction and compliance with long-term treatment for chronic conditions.
authors.affiliation: Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8JL Middlesex, UK. abakhai@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Ameet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bakhai
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sandberg
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mittendorf
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Greiner
authors.forename: André M S
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Oberdiek
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berto
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Franczok
authors.forename: Trudie
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lobban
authors.forename: Jose L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Zamorano
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D019468:Disease Management; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction