Abstract

Problem Statement: An estimated five million Americans 65 years of age and older experience atrial fibrillation (Zapata et al., 2020). This number is predicted to double in 25 years. Zapata et al. (2020) mentioned that one in five patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) present with a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Purpose: To see if one-on-one education about AF will bring more awareness to the general population and help reduce the prevalence of CVA and other complications.

The PICO question: In adult patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who receive care in a cardiology clinic, how does a one-on-one education session compare with standard education impact understanding of atrial fibrillation related wellness behaviors as measured by an 8-item knowledge questionnaire.

Methods: A pre-and-post questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of both the intervention and control groups. A pamphlet “Living with Atrial Fibrillation” was given to the intervention group prior to the post-test.

Data Analytical Procedures: The results of the questionnaires were reviewed to assess the baseline knowledge of the intervention and control groups. The results also determined if there was knowledge gained after receiving the education. This aided in determining if further questions needed to be addressed.

Implications for Practice: Further education can bring awareness to the general population and hopefully reduce the prevalence of CVA and other complications.

Author Details

Amy Sue Leonard, DNP(c), BSN, RN - 20 years as RN, BSN Cardiology (Inpatient and Outpatient);

Gloria Brummer DNP, RN, CNE (Project Chair at St. John's College);

Cynthia Bednarchik DNP, APRN, FNP, PMHNP (Course Faculty at St. John's College);

Brian D. Miller MD, FACC (Physician at Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants)

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Mixed/Multi Method Research

Keywords:

Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke Prevention, Anticoagulation, Anticoagulants, Self-Management (Psychology), Patient Education

Advisor

Gloria Brummer

Second Advisor

Cynthia Bednarchik

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

St. John's College of Nursing

Degree Year

2026

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

Date of Issue

2026-05-18

Full Text of Presentation

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Available for download on Thursday, November 18, 2027

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