Evaluation of the Added Value of an Internet-based Educational Program for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

AMADEUS Atrial Fibrillation Monitoring in the Ablacure Database Including Patient-reported Outcomes and an Educational Program Used for Structured Care.

This study is prospective, open and randomized concerning the value of an Internet-based educational program for patients with atrial fibrillation compared to "care as usual".

In the present guidelines for treatment of atrial fibrillation education and information are underlined as important parts of the care. The investigators developed an Internet-based educational program in close collaboration with patients, specialists in the field, both physicians and nurses, and a phycologist, specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy.

The aim of the study is to evaluate this program in comparison to "care as usual" with reduction in symptom burden as primary endpoint, secondary endpoints being improvement in health-related quality of life and reduction in health-care costs.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients evaluated for electrical or pharmaceutical cardioversion or evaluated for treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.

Exclusion Criteria:

Age below 18, planned for cardiac surgery or catheter ablation, acute coronary syndrome during three months prior to randomisation. Insufficient knowledge of the Swedish language or other reasons making it impossible for the patient to independently fill out the questionnaires.