Just two home-based patient education sessions on managing atrial fibrillation have resulted in a “dramatic” fall in hospitalisations, an Adelaide study has shown. 

The program, delivered by a pharmacist or nurse, reduced total unplanned hospitalisations by 26%, atrial fibrillation-related admissions by 31%, and other cardiovascular hospitalisations by 49%.

Study author Professor Prash Sanders, of the University of Adelaide, said the findings showed the value of a self-education program that also focused on particular patient needs. 

“The study shows that education delivered in a structured and individualised way within the patient’s home has a dramatic impact not only on hospitalisations for atrial fibrillation but on all cardiovascular hospitalisations,” he said.