Future-Focused Thinking to Support Blood Thinner Use in Atrial Fibrillation
Tests episodic future thinking to help adults with atrial fibrillation take blood thinners.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Episodic Future Thinking to Improve Anticoagulant Adherence in Atrial Fibrillation
Key facts
- Where
- Guangzhou, ChinaSee the 2 sites
Where in China
- Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangzhou, ChinaNo longer taking part
- the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, ChinaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Jiawen You
- Trial code
- NCT07174778
- Record updated
- 16 September 2025
- Original description
The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) on improving medication adherence in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients taking oral anticoagulants. A total of 68 participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. Those in the intervention group will receive a 3-week EFT intervention in addition to the usual care, while those in the control group will receive the usual care only. Data on medication adherence, delay discounting (DD), and anticoagulation knowledge will be collected at baseline, end of intervention, and 3-month follow-up.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Effects of Episodic Future Thinking in Promoting Adherence to Anticoagulation Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: a Randomized Controlled Trail
The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) on improving medication adherence in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients taking oral anticoagulants. A total of 68 participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. Those in the intervention group will receive a 3-week EFT intervention in addition to the usual care, while those in the control group will receive the usual care only. Data on medication adherence, delay discounting (DD), and anticoagulation knowledge will be collected at baseline, end of intervention, and 3-month follow-up.
Inclusion: Meets diagnostic criteria for atrial fibrillation per the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation, with clinically stable condition; Current or previous use of oral anticoagulants; Age ≥18 years; Capable of using WeChat mobile application; Willing to provide informed consent.
Exclusion: Comorbid severe impairment of major organ systems or end-stage disease; Documented cognitive dysfunction or psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder); Significant visual or auditory impairments.