Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Psychology
Date of Defense
6-24-2021
Graduate Advisor
Kamila White, PhD
Committee
Steve Bruce, PhD
Ann Steffen, PhD, ABPP
Anne Fish, PhD, RN, FAHA
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with increased risk for comorbid health conditions. Advancements in consumer technology have enabled patients to monitor hearth rhythm independently, yet, much remains unknown about patient outcomes related to the use of these smart device platforms (SDP). The aim of this study was to examine the iatrogenic and/or remedial effects of SDP use on patient reported outcomes of illness uncertainty, cardiac anxiety, body vigilance, AFib symptoms, symptom burden, and healthcare utilization. The sample included 130 AFib participants (65 in SDP group) recruited through ResearchMatch, American Heart Association support forum, and other online AFib communities. Despite being of younger age, participants in the SDP group reported more medical risk factors associated with AFib. Results partially supported the iatrogenic effect, as participants with SDP reported greater cardiac anxiety and healthcare utilization relative to those without, even after accounting for covariates of age and medical risk factors. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as the global pandemic may have impacted the results obtained.
Recommended Citation
Cheung, Wing Yan Vien, "The Impact of Consumer Smart Device Platforms on Illness Uncertainty and Anxiety in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation" (2021). Dissertations. 1063.
https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1063