title: The Stressors and Coping Strategies of Older Adults With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Prior to and Following Direct Current Cardioversion.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the stressors and coping strategies of older adults with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) before and after direct current cardioversion.
  
  
  
  The study used a qualitative descriptive design. Sixteen patients were recruited through an AF clinic to participate in individual interviews prior to the cardioversion and at 6 and 12 weeks post procedure.
  
  
  
  Pre-cardioversion, older adults experienced symptom and health care-related stressors superimposed on existing non-AF stressors. They used a range of emotion and problem-focused coping. Non-AF stressors increased post procedure at the same time that participants perceived less need for coping strategies with a return to regular rhythm.
  
  
  
  There was a shift from AF to non-AF related stressors following the cardioversion but a decrease in coping strategies. Older adults with AF should be encouraged to maintain use of coping strategies to manage ongoing stress and reduce the risk of AF recurrence.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.
authors.forename: Kathy L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Rush
authors.affiliation: 1 University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hatt
authors.affiliation: 1 University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shay
authors.affiliation: 2 Atrial Fibrillation Clinic, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gorman
authors.affiliation: 1 University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.|3 Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Carol G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Laberge
authors.affiliation: 1 University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.
authors.forename: R Colin
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.affiliation: 1 University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000073278:Self-Management / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: atrial fibrillation; coping; qualitative description; stressors