Atrial fibrillation: The management of atrial fibrillation
This is an extract from the guidance. The complete guidance is available at guidance.nice.org.uk/cg36
Patient-centred care
This guideline offers best practice advice on the care of adult patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Treatment and care should take into account patients' individual needs and preferences. People with AF should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care and treatment. Where patients do not have the capacity to make decisions, healthcare professionals should follow the Department of Health's advice on consent and the code of practice that accompanies the Mental Capacity Act. In Wales, healthcare professionals should follow advice on consent from the Welsh Government.
Good communication between healthcare professionals and patients is essential. It should be supported by the provision of evidence-based information offered in a form that is tailored to the needs of the individual patient. The treatment, care and information provided should be culturally appropriate and in a form that is accessible to people who have additional needs, such as people with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities, and people who do not speak or read English.
Unless specifically excluded by the patient, carers and relatives should have the opportunity to be involved in decisions about the patient's care and treatment.
Carers and relatives should also be provided with the information and support they need.