Listening to Patients: Safety Perspectives in Atrial Fibrillation V1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Non-Interventional Qualitative Research Exploring Perspectives on Safety of People Living with Atrial Fibrillation

• IRAS ID

  365323

• Contact name

  Samantha Robinson

• Sponsor organisation

  Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 2 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Daiichi Sankyo Europe, in partnership with the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) and AXON Communications, is conducting a non-interventional qualitative study to explore how people living with AF understand and experience treatment safety, including perceptions of side effects and tolerability.

  The research aims to generate actionable, patient-centred insights to inform communication, service design, and future patient engagement strategies. Findings will contribute to a broader understanding of what “safety” means from the patient perspective, supporting the development of more responsive and empathetic healthcare approaches.

  Up to 20 semi-structured, one-hour interviews will be conducted remotely with individuals living with AF or their caregivers. Participants will be recruited by the AFA through its networks and will provide written informed consent. All interviews will be anonymised, audio-recorded with consent, and analysed thematically by experienced qualitative researchers at AXON. No identifiable information will be shared with Daiichi Sankyo or AXON.

  The study is non-interventional, involves no discussion of medicinal products, and carries no promotional intent. Participants will not receive compensation to avoid undue influence. Data handling will comply with GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act (2018). A patient advocate from the AFA will be present during interviews to safeguard participant wellbeing.

  Ethical approval will be sought from a UK Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be disseminated through anonymised reports and, where appropriate, scientific publications or conference presentations.

• REC name

  London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/HRA/4730

• Date of REC Opinion

  10 Dec 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion