Education of Self-Radial Pulse Palpation and Atrial Fibrillation Signs and Symptoms

J Community Health Nurs. 2021 Jul-Sep;38(3):193-199. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2021.1932973.

Abstract

The purpose of this evidence-based education initiative was to increase A Fib detection in a cardiovascular diseased population in which participants were taught radial pulse palpation and signs/symptoms of A Fib. Participants were evaluated after initial education on performance of radial pulse palpation and teach back of signs/symptoms of the arrhythmia and again at three weeks on adherence to daily self-screening and recall of signs/symptoms of A Fib. Post initial education, 88% of eligible participants learned pulse-palpation and 93% could verbalize at minimum one sign/symptom. After three weeks, 94.7% reported daily self-screening, but only 44.7% could verbalize at minimum one sign/symptom. This indicated that participants were continuing to self-screen, but in need of booster education sessions. Educating individuals on self-screening and signs/symptoms of A Fib is clinically feasible.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Palpation / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Self-Assessment*