A pilot study of a digital education program (INFORM-AF) for patients living with atrial fibrillation

There are many unmet educational needs for people living with atrial fibrillation (AF). Digital health offers promise; however, evidence is largely lacking. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the system usability, feasibility, and efficacy of a digital education program (INFORM-AF) for patients living with atrial fibrillation on AF-related knowledge and quality of life. A pilot study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with AF were recruited from two metropolitan hospitals in Blacktown and Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia, following index hospitalisation. The INFORM-AF education program was delivered using the QStream™ digital platform directly to participants’ smartphones over 6 weeks. Outcome measures included AF knowledge (JAKQ), AF quality of life (AFEQT) and system usability (SUS). Surveys were completed in-hospital at baseline and via phone at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Thirty-two participants were enrolled, 2 were lost to follow up and 2 withdrew. 28 were included in the analyses. Mean age was 60 years (32–79 years), 56% female. There were significant improvements in AF knowledge (62% pre vs 73% post, p < 0.001) and AF quality of life at 6 weeks (53.7 ± 22.4 pre and 67.9 ± 25.5 post, p = 0.016) Knowledge improvements were the greatest in the risk factor, symptom recognition, and when to seek assistance domains. System usability was excellent (mean 84 SUS score). The INFORM-AF education program demonstrated system usability and feasibility with improvements in AF knowledge and quality of life at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. INFORM-AF will be evaluated in a larger clinical trial on outcomes including emergency department visits, hospitalisation, and healthcare utilisation. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381531 . Date registered 15/04/2021. • The usability and feasibility of a digital education program (INFORM-AF)) for people living with AF is unknown. • Participants used the digital education program, and most completed the modules. Two dropped out and two were lost to follow up. • It is feasible to conduct a digital health education program for people living with AF, although this cohort was younger.