Table 2.

Summary of the requirements for patients to create a cognitive representation of AF.

Create an illness identity	Help patients understand which symptoms are/are not associated with AF, common co-morbidities, the risks of stroke and the reasons for prescribing anticoagulant medication and the emotions individuals associate with the illness (e.g., “I am afraid of what will happen“).
Understand the consequences	Help patients understand the physical, social and economic implications of both AF and treatment with anticoagulation. Patients need to be provided with information about the risks associated with AF e.g., the main risk associated with AF is stroke.
Identifying their illness timeline	Patients can be made aware of the duration of their illness and treatment and given information about the different types of AF and how this relates to the risk of stroke.
Understanding the causes	Patients need to recognise their personal ideas about the causes of AF and how they relate to the scientific evidence.
Identifying a cure or control for their illness/symptoms	Patients can be presented with information pertaining to the control of their INR and pharmacological control of their AF symptoms, and explore the factors that may affect their symptoms including caffeine intake, exercise and alcohol. Of particular relevance are the key lifestyle factors that affect INR control including diet, alcohol intake and other medications and supplements, as for many patients there is no “cure” for AF.