Multimorbidity management in atrial fibrillation: The Polish perspective in the EHRA-PATHS study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Multimorbidity management in atrial fibrillation

T2 - The Polish perspective in the EHRA-PATHS study

AU - Lee, Gerry

AU - Farkowski, Michal

AU - Baker, Edward

AU - Sterlinski, Maciej

AU - Van Gelder, Isabelle C.

AU - Dabrowski, Rafal

AU - Desteghe, Lien

AU - Szumowski, Lukasz

AU - Merino, Jose L.

AU - collins, ronan

AU - Rienstra, Michiel

AU - Heidbuchel, Hein

N1 - Funding Information: Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 945260 [to GAL]. Publisher Copyright: Copyright by the Author(s), 2023.

PY - 2023/3/16

Y1 - 2023/3/16

N2 - Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia which places a significant burden on individuals as well as the healthcare system. AF management requires a multidisciplinary approach in which tackling comorbidities is an important aspect. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate how multimorbidity is currently assessed and managed and to determine if interdisciplinary care is undertaken. Methods: A 21-item online survey was undertaken over four weeks as part of the EHRA-PATHS study examining comorbidities in AF and distributed to European Heart Rhythm Association members in Europe. Results: A total of 341 eligible responses were received, of which 35 (10%) were from Polish physicians. Compared to other European locations, the rates of specialist services and referrals varied but were not significantly different. However, there were higher numbers of specialized services reported in Poland compared to the rest of Europe for hypertension (57% vs. 37%; P = 0.02) and palpitations/arrhythmias (63% vs. 41%; P= 0.01), whereas rates of sleep apnea services and comprehensive geriatric care tended to be lower (20% vs. 34%; P= 0.10 and 14% vs. 36%; P= 0.01, respectively). The only statistical difference in reasons for referral rates between Poland and the rest of Europe was the barrier relating to insurance and financial reasons (31% vs. 11%; P <0.01, respectively). Conclusions: There is a clear need for an integrated approach to patients with AF and associated comorbidities. Preparedness of Polish physicians to deliver such care seems to be similar to other European countries but may be hampered by financial obstacles.

AB - Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia which places a significant burden on individuals as well as the healthcare system. AF management requires a multidisciplinary approach in which tackling comorbidities is an important aspect. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate how multimorbidity is currently assessed and managed and to determine if interdisciplinary care is undertaken. Methods: A 21-item online survey was undertaken over four weeks as part of the EHRA-PATHS study examining comorbidities in AF and distributed to European Heart Rhythm Association members in Europe. Results: A total of 341 eligible responses were received, of which 35 (10%) were from Polish physicians. Compared to other European locations, the rates of specialist services and referrals varied but were not significantly different. However, there were higher numbers of specialized services reported in Poland compared to the rest of Europe for hypertension (57% vs. 37%; P = 0.02) and palpitations/arrhythmias (63% vs. 41%; P= 0.01), whereas rates of sleep apnea services and comprehensive geriatric care tended to be lower (20% vs. 34%; P= 0.10 and 14% vs. 36%; P= 0.01, respectively). The only statistical difference in reasons for referral rates between Poland and the rest of Europe was the barrier relating to insurance and financial reasons (31% vs. 11%; P <0.01, respectively). Conclusions: There is a clear need for an integrated approach to patients with AF and associated comorbidities. Preparedness of Polish physicians to deliver such care seems to be similar to other European countries but may be hampered by financial obstacles.

KW - Atrial fibrillation

KW - Older people

KW - comorbidities

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85166937724&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.33963/KP.a2023.0069

DO - 10.33963/KP.a2023.0069

M3 - Article

SN - 0022-9032

VL - 81

SP - 580

EP - 586

JO - KARDIOLOGIA POLSKA

JF - KARDIOLOGIA POLSKA

IS - 6

ER -