LAUSR

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This study was financially supported by Biosense Webster. Introduction Same-day discharge (SDD) protocols following catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) were already introduced in selected facilities in Europe but a widespread implementation has not yet succeeded. Data on patients’ perspectives to support early discharge regimens is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a survey to address patients’ beliefs towards SDD and identify variables that are associated with their evaluation. Methods As a part of the prospective, monocentric FAST AFA trial, patients aged ≥20 years undergoing a left atrial CA for AF or atrial flutter were asked to participate in the survey consisting of a study-specific SDD-questionnaire, the AF knowledge scale and pre-defined patient reported outcome measures. The study cohort was stratified based on SDD willingness and a logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors for patients’ valuation. Results Between 07/26/2021-07/01/2022, 256 of 376 screened patients consented to study participation of whom 248 (median age 61.8 years, 33.9% female) completed the SDD survey. Of them, 50.0% were willing to have SDD concepts integrated into their clinical course with increased patient comfort (27.5%), shorter waiting times (14.6%) and a cost-efficient treatment (14.0%) being imaginable benefits. In contrast, 52.2% of patients saw no advantages in SDD and expressed concerns including uncertainties with occurring complaints (50.6%), as well as the insufficient recognition (47.8%) and treatment (48.9%) of complications. Symptoms at baseline and inpatient treatments within the preceding year were predictors for SDD willingness whereas comorbidity burden or AF knowledge were not. Conclusion We provide a detailed survey expressing patients’ beliefs towards SDD following left atrial CA. Our findings may facilitate adequate patient selection to improve the future implementation of SDD programs in suitable cohorts. Graphical abstract