THE facilitator of Frome’s support group for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has offered reassurance that support is still available, despite Covid-19 restrictions.
The support group has been running since June 2018 with regular face-to-face meetings at Frome Medical Practice, but due to restrictions, the group’s meetings have been put on hold.
Instead, the group’s facilitator, Helen Hodgson, is encouraging AF patients to join online meetings, and is offering help to any patients that need computer-training.
“Since the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown, social distancing has meant that we, obviously, are unable to meet face-to-face at present,” explained Helen.
“I have been trying to keep momentum and stay in touch with as many people as possible, but have found it difficult to reach everyone. The main issue is that many members, and indeed many people with AF, fall into the age group which is generally less familiar with technology than most.
“However, on Monday 28th September, we had a well-attended online Zoom meeting, due in part to these members’ perseverance with unfamiliar technology. In fact, the comments I received afterwards made me realise that this actually may be a preferred way forward for the group.
“It would be great if others could see the benefit of remaining in contact and at the same time, consider coming out of their comfort zone to give technology a chance.
“Also, those who think they can’t get on with Zoom or similar platforms, may find it easier than they might think.
“I am willing to spend time helping them get up-skilled with computers, which most people have access to, or [encourage them to] have the confidence to ask a friend or relative, so they can still gain benefit from the support on offer.”
A patient who attended the online meeting in September said, “I was very impressed with the meeting yesterday, I enjoyed it very much. I felt that we were more able to be involved this way than at a meeting. People are inclined to be shy in a room full of people. I was rather proud of myself having downloaded Zoom and then being able to use it!”
The next Zoom meeting is scheduled for Monday 23rd November at 1.30pm. If you would like to know more or get involved please contact – Helen on helen.hodgson3@nhs.net or visit the group’s website: www.affrome.org
Or contact the patient services administer for the Heart Rhythm Alliance /Atrial Fibrillation Association, Kirsty Honer, by email: k.horner@heartrhy thmalliance.org or by phone 01789 867501.
Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders) affect over two million people in the UK and atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia.
People aged 40 and over have a one in four lifetime risk of developing AF and an increased risk of a life threatening AF-related stroke – the most severe type of stroke.