Peer-Mentor Support for Vulnerable Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate whether a peer-mentor intervention can improve mental well-being among vulnerable patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with AF often experience anxiety, uncertainty, and reduced quality of life. These challenges are particularly pronounced among individuals with low socioeconomic position, who may face additional barriers to accessing supportive care.

The main question the study aims to answer is:

Does a 16-week peer-mentor intervention reduce anxiety symptoms among patients with AF compared with usual care?

Researchers will compare peer-mentor support plus usual care with usual care alone.

Participants will:

Complete questionnaires about anxiety, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and self-efficacy at baseline and after 16 weeks.

Be randomized either to receive peer-mentor support for 16 weeks or to receive usual care only.

If allocated to the intervention group, be matched with a trained peer mentor with lived experience of atrial fibrillation who provides emotional support and practical guidance through approximately eight contacts over the 16-week period.

The study will also include follow-up using national health registers and a mixed-methods process evaluation exploring participants' and mentors' experiences with the intervention.