Key result
The term integrated care is used inconsistently in current literature despite guideline recommendations for its use in managing atrial fibrillation.
Why the study?
Despite international practice guidelines recommending an integrated care approach in AF, the term integrated care is being used inconsistently within the available literature.
This review highlights the inconsistent use of the term 'integrated care' in AF literature and seeks to clarify the concept to align with international practice guidelines.
Inconsistent terminology may undermine integrated care uptake in AF; challenges evidence synthesis and guideline translation.
Integrated care is an emerging approach to manage patients with chronic complex conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF). The current international practice guidelines recommend an integrated care approach in AF, which consists of four fundamentals being patient involvement, a multidisciplinary team approach, the use of technology, and comprehensive management focussing on the treatment of AF, prevention of thromboembolic complications, and the management of co-morbid conditions, cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle modification. Despite the guideline recommendations, the term integrated care is being used inconsistently within the current available literature. This publication aims to contribute to the clarification of the integrate AF care concept and the consequent appropriate use in clinical practice and research, whilst awaiting an upcoming update of international practice guidelines.
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Jeroen Hendriks (2020) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation. Integrated care was evaluated. The term integrated care is used inconsistently in current literature despite guideline recommendations for its use in managing atrial fibrillation.
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