Expert Opinion

Patient and doctor perspectives on atrial fibrillation management

Closing clinical gaps in management of atrial fibrillation

Trudie Lobban, Founder and Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance, observes that the key gaps in atrial fibrillation (AF) care “begin with detection... the next step is improving the protection against AF-related stroke.” Play the video to learn the third gap in AF care and thoughts from cardiologist Dr Lim.

What patient outcomes would improve if clinical gaps were closed?

Quality of life, for people with AF and their families, would improve if clinical gaps were closed. As Trudie notes, “everyone wins by getting an earlier diagnosis”. In this video, discover the benefits of meeting unmet needs.

Including patients in shared clinical decision-making

“Lots of healthcare professionals say, ‘Oh yeah, I included the patient. I told them that they needed this’. And they said, ‘Yes, it was a joint shared decision’. No, that is not shared decision-making.” Dr Lim and Trudie reflect on genuine shared decision-making, and share tips for clinical implementation.

Helping clinicians understand patient experience of AF

What is an important piece of advice patients with AF can give clinicians to make them more understanding of the patient-lived experience? Dr Lim and Trudie share their thoughts.

Strategies for educating patients on atrial fibrillation management

“When you call the patient in, give them your undivided attention. Because that’s what they deserve.” Dr Lim and Trudie talk about the first principle of clinical care.

Challenges in delivering optimal AF care for different patient groups

Trudie advises that clinicians know the latest technologies for managing AF, and direct patients to the hospitals or centres with these facilities. Dr Lim highlights patient medical literacy about AF and competence in English as key challenges facing vulnerable groups: “Allow patients to have effective communication”. Play the video to learn more challenges in care delivery for AF.

Meet the experts

Trudie Lobban

Trudie Lobban is the founder and CEO of the Arrhythmia Alliance, the AF Association and STARS, international non-profit organisations providing information, support, education and awareness on all arrhythmia, syncope and AF. Trudie sits on a number of medical boards, research committees and steering groups in addition to being a council member of committees and advisory boards. She is an author and co-author of numerous medical papers relating to cardiac arrhythmias and AF.

In 2009, Trudie was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II for her services to healthcare.

Dr Boon Lim

Dr Boon Lim is a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. He is the clinical lead for the Imperial Syncope Diagnostic Unit.

Dr Lim has expertise in managing AF and is leading several clinical trials exploring the best treatment methods, including innovative ablative strategies using state-of-the-art 3D mapping technologies. He is frequently invited to speak at National and International meetings on AF and syncope, and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and >200 abstracts.