The association between health-related quality of life, self-reported characteristics and 1- and 3-year mortality amongst cardiac patients with and without type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: The objectives amongst cardiac patients with and without type 2 diabetes were to (i) describe self-reported characteristics as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health behaviour, body mass index (BMI) and physical shape and to (ii) investigate the association between self-reported characteristics and 1- and 3-year mortality. METHODS: Adult patients (≥ 18 years) discharged with a cardiac diagnosis were invited to participate in a national survey, DenHeart. Self-reported characteristics included HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L and HeartQol), health behaviour (alcohol and smoking), BMI and physical shape. Data were linked to national registries. The association between self-reported characteristics and 1- and 3-year mortality were investigated using the Cox Proportional Hazard Regression model, reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: In total, 16,659 cardiac responders were included (n = 2,205 with type 2 diabetes, n = 14,454 without type 2 diabetes). Self-reported characteristics were worse amongst cardiac patients with type 2 diabetes compared to those without. After three years, the mortality rate was 14% amongst responders with diabetes and 7% amongst responders without type 2 diabetes (p ≤ 0.001). Better HRQoL was associated with a reduced risk of mortality amongst both groups. "Never been smoking" significantly reduced the risk of 1- and 3-year mortality amongst cardiac patients without diabetes, whereas good physical shape was associated with a reduced risk across both groups. CONCLUSION: HRQoL, health behaviour, BMI and physical shape are significantly worse amongst cardiac patients with type 2 diabetes. Better HRQoL was associated with a reduced risk of mortality amongst both groups, whereas other self-reported characteristics and the mortality risk varied.

Association Between Risk Factors and Readmission for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Treated With Catheter Ablation: Results From the Nationwide DenHeart Study.

BACKGROUND: Because of high readmission rates for patients treated with ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), there is great value in nurses knowing which risk factors make the largest contribution to readmission. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to (1) describe potential risk factors at discharge and (2) describe the associations of risk factors with readmission from 60 days to 1 year after discharge. METHODS: Data from a national cross-sectional survey exploring patient-reported outcomes were used in conjunction with data from national health registers. This study included patients who had an ablation for AF during a single calendar year. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and questions on risk factors were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through registers, and readmissions were examined at 1 year. RESULTS: In total, 929 of 1320 (response rate, 70%) eligible patients treated with ablation for AF completed the survey. One year after ablation, there were 333 (36%) acute readmissions for AF and 401 (43%) planned readmissions for AF. Readmissions were associated with ischemic heart disease, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSION: High observed readmission rates were associated with risk factors that included anxiety and depression. Postablation care should address these risk factors.

Sex Differences in Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Immediate Recovery Period After Resuscitation: Findings From the Cross-sectional DenHeart Survey.

BACKGROUND: A paucity of resuscitation studies have examined sex differences in patient-reported outcomes upon hospital discharge. It remains unclear whether male and female patients differ in health outcomes in their immediate responses to trauma and treatment after resuscitation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in patient-reported outcomes in the immediate recovery period after resuscitation. METHODS: In a national cross-sectional survey, patient-reported outcomes were measured by 5 instruments: symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire [B-IPQ]), symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]), quality of life (Heart Quality of Life Questionnaire), and perceived health status (12-Item Short Form Survey). RESULTS: Of 491 eligible survivors of cardiac arrest, 176 (80% male) participated. Compared with male, resuscitated female reported worse symptoms of anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety score ≥8) (43% vs 23%; P = .04), emotional responses (B-IPQ) (mean [SD], 4.9 [3.12] vs 3.7 [2.99]; P = .05), identity (B-IPQ) (mean [SD], 4.3 [3.10] vs 4.0 [2.85]; P = .04), fatigue (ESAS) (mean [SD], 5.26 [2.48] vs 3.92 [2.93]; P = .01), and depressive symptoms (ESAS) (mean [SD], 2.60 [2.68] vs 1.67 [2.19]; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Between sexes, female survivors of cardiac arrest reported worse psychological distress and illness perception and higher symptom burden in the immediate recovery period after resuscitation. Attention should focus on early symptom screening at hospital discharge to identify those in need of targeted psychological support and rehabilitation.

The association between cardiac drug therapy and anxiety among cardiac patients: results from the national DenHeart survey.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric side effects of cardiac drugs such as nervousness, mood swings and agitation may be misinterpreted as symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety in cardiac patients is highly prevalent and associated with poor outcomes, thus an accurate identification is essential. The objectives were to: (I) describe the possible neuropsychiatric side effects of common cardiac drug therapies, (II) describe the use of cardiac drug therapy in cardiac patients with self-reported symptoms of anxiety compared to those with no symptoms of anxiety, and (III) investigate the association between the use of cardiac drug therapy and self-reported symptoms of anxiety. METHODS: DenHeart is a large national cross-sectional survey combined with national register data. Symptoms of anxiety were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) on patients with ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure and heart valve disease. Side effects were obtained from 'product summaries', and data on redeemed prescriptions obtained from the Danish National Prescription Registry. Multivariate logistic regression analyses explored the association between cardiac drug therapies and symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8). RESULTS: Among 8998 respondents 2891 (32%) reported symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8). Neuropsychiatric side effects were reported from digoxin, antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists. Statistically significant higher odds of reporting HADS ≥ 8 was found in users of diuretics, lipid-lowering agents, nitrates, antiarrhythmics and beta-blockers compared to patients with no prescription. CONCLUSION: Some cardiac drugs were associated with self-reported symptoms of anxiety among patients with cardiac disease. Of these drugs neuropsychiatric side effects were only reported for antiarrhythmics and beta-blockers. Increased awareness about the possible adverse effects from these drugs are important.

Patient-reported outcomes, sociodemographic and clinical factors are associated with 1-year mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease-findings from the DenHeart cohort study.

PURPOSE: In patients with ischemic heart disease, the objectives were (1) to explore associations between patient-reported outcomes, sociodemographic, and clinical factors at discharge and 1-year all-cause mortality and (2) to investigate the discriminant predictive performance of the applied patient-reported outcome instruments on 1-year all-cause mortality. METHODS: Data from the Danish national DenHeart cohort study were used. Eligible patients (n = 13,476) were invited to complete a questionnaire-package, of which 7167 (53%) responded. Questionnaires included the 12-item Short form health survey (SF-12), Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), EQ-5D, HeartQoL, Edmonton symptom assessment scale (ESAS), and ancillary questions on, e.g., social support. Clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained from registers, as were data on mortality. Comparative analyses were used to investigate differences in patient-reported outcomes. Mortality associations were explored using multifactorially adjusted Cox regression analyses. Predictive performance was analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC). RESULTS: Patient-reported outcomes at discharge differed among those alive versus those deceased at one year, e.g., depression (HADS-Depression ≥ 8) 19% vs. 44% (p < 0.001). Associations with 1-year mortality included feeling unsafe about returning home from the hospital; hazard ratio (HR) 2.07 (95% CI 1.2-3.61); high comorbidity level, HR 3.6 (95% CI 2.7-4.8); and being unmarried, HR 1.60 (95% CI 1.33-1.93). Best predictive performance was observed for SF-12 physical component summary (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.706). CONCLUSION: Patient-reported health, sociodemographic, and clinical factors are associated with 1-year mortality. We propose systematic screening with robust predictive tools to identify patients at risk and healthcare initiatives to explore and offer effective treatment to modify patient-reported health indicators.

Cause of Death Among Cardiac Patients With and Without Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Mental distress is reported internationally among patients with cardiac disease. A Danish survey found that 25% of patients with cardiac disease experienced symptoms indicating anxiety and that anxiety was associated with an increased risk of death. AIM: The aims of this study were to (1) compare cause of death patterns among deceased cardiac patients with anxiety to those without anxiety and (2) examine the association between anxiety symptoms and specific causes of death. METHODS: We used data from the DenHeart survey to evaluate symptoms of anxiety at discharge by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data on mortality in the 3 years after discharge and cause of death according to International Classification of Diseases-10 classification came from national registers. Cause of death was compared between patients with and without anxiety using χ2 tests. The association between symptoms of anxiety and cause of death was investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 12 913 patients included, a total of 1030 (8%) died within 3 years. After 1 year, 4% of patients with anxiety symptoms had died versus 2% of patients without; after 3 years, the proportions were 9% versus 8%, respectively. Almost all died of natural causes irrespective of anxiety symptoms. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the cause of death between patients with and without anxiety. CONCLUSION: Despite higher mortality rates in patients with cardiac disease with anxiety symptoms, the pattern of cause of death was identical for patients with cardiac disease with and without anxiety symptoms. It seems that an acceleration of morbid processes leading to mortality is more likely than a difference in cause of death. However, further research is needed to better understand the behavioral and pathophysiological processes that cause the higher mortality seen among patients reporting symptoms of anxiety.

Prognostic value of a brief loneliness questionnaire for patients with coronary heart disease: Proposal for a prediction model.

BACKGROUND: In patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), loneliness is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. No predictive tool is available to detect patients who are influenced by loneliness to a degree that impacts mortality. AIM: To: (i) propose a prediction model that detects patients influenced by loneliness to a degree that increases one-year all-cause mortality, (ii) evaluate model classification performance of the prediction model, and (iii) investigate potential questionnaire response errors. METHOD: A cohort of patients with CHD (n = 7169) responded to a national cross-sectional survey, including two questions on loneliness. Information on cohabitation and follow-up information on one-year all-cause mortality were obtained from national registers. Prediction model development was based on the prognostic values of item responses in the questionnaire on loneliness and of cohabitation, evaluated with Cox-proportional Hazards Ratio (HR). Item responses which significantly predicted one-year mortality were included in the high-risk loneliness (HiRL) prediction model. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio were calculated to evaluate model classification performance. Sources of response errors were evaluated using verbal probing technique in an additional cohort (n = 7). The TRIPOD checklist has been used to ensure transparent reporting. RESULTS: Two item responses significantly predicted one-year mortality HR = 2.24 (95%CI = 1.24-4.03) and HR = 2.65 (95%CI = 1.32-5.32) and were thus included in the model. Model classification performance showed a likelihood ratio of 1.89. Response error was evaluated as low. CONCLUSION: Based on the prognostic value in a loneliness questionnaire, a prediction model suitable to screen patients with CHD for high-risk loneliness was suggested. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The HiRL prediction model is a short and easy-to-use screening tool that offers clinical staff to identify patients with CHD who are influenced by loneliness to a degree that impacts mortality. However, further evaluation of model performance and questionnaire validation is recommended before integrating the model into clinical practice.

Supplementing prediction by EuroSCORE with social and patient-reported measures among patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The risk of poor outcomes is traditionally attributed to biological and physiological processes in cardiac surgery. However, evidence exists that other factors, such as emotional, behavioral, social, and functional, are predictive of poor outcomes. Objectives were to evaluate the predictive value of several emotional, social, functional, and behavioral factors on four outcomes: death within 90 days, prolonged stay in intensive care, prolonged hospital admission, and readmission within 90 days following cardiac surgery. METHODS: This prospective study included adults undergoing cardiac surgery 2013-2014, including information on register-based socioeconomic factors and self-reported health in a nested subsample. Logistic regression analyses to determine the association and incremental value of each candidate predictor variable were conducted. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the incremental value of each candidate predictor variable, as well as discrimination and calibration based on the area under the curve (AUC) and Brier score. RESULTS: Of 3217 patients, 3% died, 9% had prolonged intensive care stay, 51% had prolonged hospital admission, and 39% were readmitted to hospital. Patients living alone (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.38), with lower educational levels (1.27; 1.04-1.54) and low health-related quality of life (1.43; 1.02-2.01) had prolonged hospital admission. Analyses revealed living alone as predictive of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay (Brier, 0.08; AUC, 0.68), death (0.03; 0.71), and prolonged hospital admission (0.24; 0.62). CONCLUSION: Living alone was found to supplement EuroSCORE in predicting death, prolonged hospital admission, and prolonged ICU stay following cardiac surgery. Low educational level and impaired health-related quality of life were, furthermore, predictive of prolonged hospital admission.

Cost Analysis of a Dedicated Outpatient Clinic in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess healthcare utilization costs of a dedicated outpatient clinic for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We conducted a registry-based retrospective study in patients with a first-time AF diagnosis from 2009 to 2011 (control group) and 2013 to 2015 (intervention group). The control group had physician-led usual care, and the intervention group received multidisciplinary care. The primary outcome was total costs of AF-related resource utilization. Exploratory outcomes were ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and all-cause mortality. Multiple regression methods were used to control for confounders in the assessment of effects on outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1552 patients were included, hereof 850 in the intervention group. Total AF-related costs were €2746 for the control group and €3154 for the intervention group, which was not statistically significant. Average outpatient costs were significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group (€522 vs €344, respectively; P = .003). There was no difference in the number of AF-related hospital admissions and outpatient visits between the control group and the intervention group (incidence risk ratio, 1.03 vs 0.85; and 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.16 vs 0.69-1.05, respectively). There was a trend toward reduced all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.16) in the intervention group, which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Total expenses for AF-related hospital resource utilization in the intervention group were higher, but the expenses for AF-related outpatient visits were significantly lower. There was a trend toward lower all-cause mortality in the intervention group, although the differences were not statistically significant. More research is needed investigating whether a multidisciplinary AF clinic is cost-effective.

Illness Perception After Heart Valve Surgery: Differences Among Men and Women.

BACKGROUND: Illness perception is composed of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs about illness, and a negative illness perception is known to be associated with poor outcomes. Among men and women, clinical outcomes after heart valve surgery are known to differ, but knowledge about differences in illness perception is sparse. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the differences in illness perception among men and women after open heart valve surgery and to identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with worse illness perception in men and women. METHODS: In a national cross-sectional study combined with register-based clinical and sociodemographic information, data on illness perception were collected with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire.Worse illness perception was defined as the worst quartile of each item of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore characteristics associated with worse illness perception. RESULTS: Of 1084 eligible patients, 32% (n = 349) completed the questionnaire (67% men; mean age, 68 years). Compared with men, women reported significantly worse scores of illness perception in 6 of 8 items. Furthermore, being female, age, length of stay, and comorbidity were associated with worse illness perception (worse quartile of scores). Age, higher educational level, and comorbidity were found to be associated with worse illness perception for men and length of stay for women. CONCLUSION: After open heart valve surgery, illness perception differs among men and women, with women having worse illness perception. Among the total population, being female, age, a longer length of stay, and comorbidity were also associated with worse illness perception.

The association between self-reported health status and adverse events: a comparison among coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PURPOSE: While several studies have investigated clinical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) vs. percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), studies investigating self-reported health and the association with adverse outcomes are limited. Thus, the aim was to investigate differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression at discharge and the association with a composite endpoint of the first event of acute cardiac readmission, revascularisation or 1-year mortality among patients undergoing CABG vs. PCI. METHODS: Data from the national cohort study, DenHeart, were used, including measures of HRQoL; EuroQoL-5D-5L (EQ-5D Index Score and VAS) and HeartQoL (Global, Physical and Emotional), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) and register-based follow-up. A total of 7000 patients were included (CABG n = 652, PCI n = 6348) (median age 65, 75% men). Cox Proportional Hazard models were performed among a propensity-matched population of responders (n = 520). RESULTS: HRQoL was significantly better among patients undergoing PCI vs. CABG, but with no differences in time to readmission or revascularisation. HRQoL, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with the risk of the composite endpoint among the PCI group (Hazard Ratio, HR (95% confidence intervals, CI) [EQ-5D index score 3.07 (1.67-5.67), EQ-5D VAS 0.97 (0.96-0.99), HeartQol Global 0.61 (0.38-0.95), HeartQol Emotional 0.56 (0.39-0.80), HADS-D ≥ 8 3.12 (1.61-6.01), HADS-A ≥ 8 2.08 (1.14-3.80)]. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing PCI reported better HRQoL at discharge compared with patients undergoing CABG, whereas readmission rates were similar. Self-reported health was associated with the risk of adverse events among patients undergoing PCI, but not among patients undergoing CABG. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01926145.

Educational inequality in patient-reported outcomes but not mortality among cardiac patients: Results from the national DenHeart survey with register follow-up.

Aims: This study aimed to explore whether educational level is associated with mental and physical health status, anxiety and depression symptoms and quality of life at hospital discharge and predicts cardiac events and all-cause mortality 1 year after hospital discharge in patients with ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure or heart valve disease. Methods: The DenHeart survey is cross-sectional and combined with data from national registers. Information on educational level and co-morbidity at hospital discharge and cardiac events and mortality 1-year post-discharge was obtained from registers. Patient-reported outcomes included SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and HeartQoL. Multivariate linear and logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used. Results: A total of 13,145 patients were included. A significant educational gradient was found in patient-reported mental and physical health status, anxiety and depression symptoms and quality of life, with lower educational groups reporting worse outcomes in adjusted analyses. No association was found between educational level and risk of cardiac events or all-cause mortality within 1 year after hospital discharge in adjusted analyses. Conclusions: In a large population of patients with cardiac disease a significant educational gradient was found in mental and physical health and quality of life at hospital discharge. There was, however, no association between educational level and risk of cardiac events or mortality 1 year after hospital discharge.

Subgroup Differences and Determinants of Patient-Reported Mental and Physical Health in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease: Results From the DenHeart Study.

BACKGROUND: A growing population is living with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are reliable prognostic tools. Studies exploring PROs are needed to identify vulnerable patients and guide targeted healthcare strategies. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to (i) describe PROs at hospital discharge across 3 diagnostic subgroups: (1) chronic IHD/stable angina, (2) non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI)/unstable angina, and (3) ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and (ii) examine determinants for PROs at hospital discharge in patients with IHD. METHODS: This study included a national cohort with register-data linkage including 14 115 adults with IHD discharged from Danish heart centers. Eligible patients (n = 13 476) were invited to complete a questionnaire, and 7 167 (53%) responded. Questionnaires included the Medical Outcome Study Short-Form 12, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EuroQoL, HeartQoL, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, and ancillary questions. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from national registers. Student t test, χ test, and adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate subgroup differences, and adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore determinants for PROs. RESULTS: Statistically significant subgroup differences were found, with groups reporting worst to best scores for most of PROs being as follows: chronic IHD/stable angina, non-STEMI/unstable angina, and STEMI. Symptoms of anxiety were highly prevalent in the non-STEMI/unstable angina group, with 33.8% exceeding a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety cutoff score indicating a possible anxiety disorder. Determinants for worse PROs included female sex, lower educational level, obesity, and poor physical fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in PROs across IHD subgroups were observed and determinants for poor outcomes suggested. Results may guide differentiated care initiatives and resource allocation for preventative strategies.

Sociodemographic, Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes and Readmission After Heart Valve Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Readmissions after heart valve surgery represent a significant burden for both the patient and the healthcare system. The study aim was to identify independent predictors of readmission within 180 days after surgery in a population of patients undergoing heart valve surgery. METHODS: Demographic and clinical information was obtained from national registers. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including Short Form 12 (SF-12) and EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) were measured at discharge as part of a national, cross-sectional study (DenHeart). Predictors of first readmission were investigated. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,084 patients (65% men; mean age 68 years; 354 responded to questionnaires), 534 (49%) were readmitted. Responding patients who were readmitted were younger and a greater proportion had undergone mitral valve surgery. A significantly higher proportion of non-responders was readmitted. No significant differences were found in PROs between patients readmitted and those not readmitted, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed no predictive effect of SF-12 and EQ-5D. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard models showed that prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (HR 1.50, CI 1.10; 2.05, p = 0.010) and a history of heart failure (HR 1.37, CI 1.10; 1.72, p = 0.006) were predictive of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Readmission rates after heart valve surgery are high and often seen in patients who have undergone PCI and heart failure before surgery. Predictors for these high readmissions rates are difficult to establish based on medical history and type of surgery. PROs at discharge contribute information regarding a patient's perception of their often poor quality of life, but do not predict readmission.

Management of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in an outpatient clinic setting-patient's perspectives and experiences.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To gain in-depth knowledge of patients' experiences of the consultation processes at a multidisciplinary atrial fibrillation outpatient clinic in a university hospital in Denmark. BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated as recommended. Patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation preferably should be managed in an outpatient setting which includes medical examination, patient education and decision-making on medical therapy. DESIGN: This is a qualitative study of 14 patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, ranging from asymptomatic patients, to those with mild to severe symptoms; they were all referred from general practitioners. METHODS: Data were generated in 2013-2015 using participant observation during each consultation, followed by individual interviews postconsultation. RESULTS: Patients were referred with limited information on AF and knowledge about the management consultation procedures. The consultations were performed in a professional way by the cardiologist as well as by the nurses with an emphasis on the medical aspects of atrial fibrillation. The understanding that atrial fibrillation is not a fatal disease in itself was very important for patients. At the same time, visiting the clinic was overwhelming, information was difficult to understand, and patients found it difficult to be involved in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that patients were uncertain on what AF was before as well as after their consultation. The communication was concentrated on the medical aspects of atrial fibrillation and visiting the clinic was an overwhelming experience for the patients. They had difficulty understanding what atrial fibrillation was, why they were treated with anticoagulation, and that anticoagulating was a lifelong treatment. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study demonstrates some lack of patient-centred care and an absence of tailored patient AF-related education. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for and importance of active patient involvement.

Patients' participation in decision-making in the medical field--'projectification' of patients in a neoliberal framed healthcare system.

This article focuses on patients' participation in decision-making in meetings with healthcare professionals in a healthcare system, based on neoliberal regulations and ideas. Drawing on two constructed empirical cases, primarily from the perspective of patients, this article analyses and discusses the clinical practice around decision-making meetings within a Foucauldian perspective. Patients' participation in decision-making can be seen as an offshoot of respect for patient autonomy. A treatment must be chosen, when patients consult physicians. From the perspective of patients, there is a tendency for healthcare professionals to supply the patients with the information that they think are necessary for them to make their own decision. But patients do not always want to be a 'customer' in the healthcare system; they want to be a patient, consulting an expert for help and advice, which creates resistance to some parts of the decision-making process. Both professionals and patients are subject to the structural frame of the medical field, formed of both neoliberal framework and medical logic. The decision-making competence in relation to the choice of treatment is placed away from the professionals and seen as belonging to the patient. A 'projectification' of the patient occurs, whereby the patient becomes responsible for his/her choices in treatment and care and the professionals support him/her with knowledge, preferences, and alternative views, out of which he/she must make his/her own choices, and the responsibility for those choices now and in the future. At the same time, there is a tendency towards de-professionalization. In that light, participation of patients in decision-making can be regarded as a tacit governmentality strategy that shapes the location of responsibility between individual and society, and independent patients and healthcare professionals, despite the basically desirable, appropriate, and necessary idea of involving patients in their own situations from a humanistic perspective.

Self-reported mental and physical health is associated with not returning to work in patients with ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) can lead to prolonged sick leave and loss of ability to work. This study aimed to describe non-return to work (non-RTW) across three IHD subgroups at 3 and at 12 months post discharge, and explore whether baseline characteristics, and patient-reported mental and physical health were associated with work detachment. METHODS: Data from the national cohort study DenHeart were used, including the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) Short-Form 12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and HeartQoL measured at discharge and register-based follow-up at 3 and at 12 months. A total of 3873 patients with IHD ≤ 63 years old and part of the workforce prior to hospitalisation, were included in the analyses and divided into three groups: chronic IHD/stable angina, non-STEMI (non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)/unstable angina and STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). A composite outcome of 'prolonged sick leave' and/or 'left the workforce' was defined as non-return to work (non-RTW). Adjusted logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS: Overall, the frequency of non-RTW was 37.7% and 38.0% at 3 and 12 months, respectively, thus not improving with time. The largest proportion of non-RTW was found in STEMI patients, followed by non-STEMI/unstable angina and IHD/stable angina patients. Several clinical and socio-demographic factors, as well as patient-reported mental and physical health were associated with non-RTW among the subgroups. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate a need for identifying IHD patients at risk of non-RTW after discharge based on their mental and physical health and a need for initiatives to minimize unwanted non-RTW.

Patient-reported outcome is associated with health care costs in patients with ischaemic heart disease and arrhythmia.

AIMS: Systematic use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have the potential to improve quality of care and reduce costs of health care services. We aimed to describe whether PROs in patients diagnosed with heart disease are directly associated with health care costs. METHODS AND RESULTS: A national cross-sectional survey including PROs at discharge from a heart centre with 1-year follow-up using data from national registers. We included patients with either ischaemic heart disease (IHD), arrhythmia, heart failure (HF), or valvular heart disease (VHD). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the heart-specific quality of life, the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale were used. The economic analysis was based on direct costs including primary, secondary health care, and medical treatment. Patient-reported outcomes were available from 13 463 eligible patients out of 25.241 [IHD (n = 7179), arrhythmia (n = 4322), HF (n = 987), or VHD (n = 975)]. Mean annual total direct costs in all patients were €23 228 (patients with IHD: €19 479, patients with arrhythmia: €21 076, patients with HF: €34 747, patients with VDH: €48 677). Hospitalizations contributed overall to the highest part of direct costs. For patients discharged with IHD or arrhythmia, symptoms of anxiety or depression, worst heart-specific quality of life or health status, and the highest symptom burden were associated with increased economic expenditure. We found no associations in patients with HF or VHD. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported outcomes at discharge from a heart centre were associated with direct health care costs in patients with IHD and arrhythmia. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01926145.

Return to work and everyday life following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Results from the national survey, DenHeart.

BACKGROUND: With increasing survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), knowledge on return to everyday life, including return to work, should be getting increasing attention. OBJECTIVES: To i) describe patterns of labor market affiliation up to 12 months after discharge among a workforce population and to, ii) investigate the association between clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health at discharge and a composite endpoint of prolonged sick leave and leaving the workforce after 3 and 12 months. METHODS: Data from the national survey, DenHeart, were used, including measures of self-reported health: HeartQoL and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), combined with register-based follow-up. RESULTS: During the study period, n = 572 OHCA patients were discharged from five Heart centres, n = 184 were part of the workforce. At discharge, 60% were on paid sick leave, and 20% at 12 months. Age (per one year older) increased the odds of experiencing the composite endpoint at 3 and 12 months (3 months: OR 1.06 95%CI 1.03-1.10, 12 months: OR 1.06 95%CI 1.03-1.09) among the total population (n = 184). Self-reported health at discharge was not associated with the endpoint. CONCLUSION: One-fifth of the OHCA survivors at a working-age prior to the OHCA was still on paid sick leave after 12 months. Increasing age was the only characteristic associated with a composite endpoint of prolonged sick leave or leaving the workforce at 3 and 12 months after discharge. With increasing survival rates, healthcare professionals need to support the population in resuming daily life, including returning to the workforce, when relevant.

Self-reported health and adverse outcomes among women living with symptoms of angina or unspecific chest pain but no diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease-findings from the DenHeart study.

AIMS: The objectives were to describe differences in self-reported health at discharge between women diagnosed with angina or unspecific chest pain and investigate the association between self-reported health and adverse outcomes within 3 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from a national cohort study were used, including data from the DenHeart survey combined with 3 years of register-based follow-up. The population included two groups of women with symptoms of angina but no diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease at discharge (women with angina and women with unspecific chest pain). Self-reported health measured with validated instruments was combined with register-based follow-up on adverse outcomes (a composite of unplanned cardiac readmissions, revascularization, or all-cause mortality). Associations between self-reported health and time to first adverse outcomes were investigated with Cox proportional hazard models, reported as hazards ratios with 95% confidence intervals. In total, 1770 women completed the questionnaire (49%). Women with angina (n = 931) reported significantly worse self-reported health on several outcomes compared to women with unspecific chest pain (n = 839). Within the 3 years follow-up, women with angina were more often readmitted (29 vs. 23%, P = 0.011) and more underwent revascularization (10 vs. 1%, P < 0.001), whereas mortality rates were similar (4 vs. 4%, P = 0.750). Self-reported health (physical and mental) was associated with adverse outcomes between both groups (on most instruments). CONCLUSION: Women with angina reported significantly worse self-reported health on most instruments compared to women with unspecific chest pain. Adverse outcomes varied between groups, with women diagnosed with angina experiencing more events. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01926145).