Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) who frequently attend the emergency department (ED) with symptoms may not require emergency treatment, and may be more appropriately managed in an alternative outpatient setting. This may be the result of inappropriate or inadequate advice or a lack of patient understanding. The main research objective pertains to the reason for seeking medical attention for AF in the ED, ED management of the patient, outcomes of ED care and alternative strategies.

This study is a multi-centre, multi-provincial, patient survey using mixed methods. 778 patients will be enrolled from 9 centres in 3 provinces from academic, urban, and rural centres to achieve geographical and health system heterogeneity. The planned duration of the entire study (enrollment through follow-up) is approximately 12 months. Patients presenting to the ED with a primary diagnosis of AF and with a prior diagnosis of established AF will be approached to participate. Each centre will be responsible for obtaining local consent. Data will be stored confidentially and securely at the coordinating centre (Queens University, Kingston, Ontario).

Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to take part at the time of presentation to the ED or after their ED visit. For all enrolled patients, one follow up telephone call will be made within one to four weeks of the ED visit by a social scientist with specialised training in questionnaires based in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female ≥ 18 years of age
• Atrial fibrillation is the primary reason for ED visit (documented by 12-lead ECG or Holter rhythm strip by a member of the healthcare team providing care to the patient).
• Patients with an established history of AF (prior diagnosis with ECG / rhythm strip evidence of AF)
• Patient must be literate in English
• Patient must provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Male or female < 18 years of age
• Non-English speaking
• unable and/or unwilling to consent
• Acute coronary syndrome (ischemic chest pain, ST changes, + troponin [mild troponin elevation alone does not exclude the patient])
• Cardiogenic shock or class IV congestive heart failure at the time of visit
• Enrolled in a cardiovascular drug or device research study
• New onset atrial fibrillation

Patients with a known history of atrial fibrillation that seek emergent medical attention for symptoms of atrial fibrillation.