The results of the randomized clinical trial NURSECATAF have been published in the scientific journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. The study was led by Alba Cano, a nurse in the Arrhythmia Section at Hospital Clínic and researcher in the IDIBAPS group on the Biopathology and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Eduard Guasch, Head of the Atrial Fibrillation Unit at Hospital Clínic, member of the IDIBAPS Arrhythmias and physical activity group and CIBERCV researcher, participated as the senior investigator.
Atrial fibrillation: a common arrhythmia with daily-life impact
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It is characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can cause palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness, and is associated with an increased risk of stroke and hospital admission. Although catheter ablation is an effective treatment to control the arrhythmia, many patients continue to experience symptoms, uncertainties and difficulties in managing cardiovascular risk factors.
In response to this situation, the research team identified the need to go beyond strictly medical treatment and to provide structured, continuous and person-centred care, led by nursing professionals within a multidisciplinary team.
What did the NURSECATAF study involve?
The NURSECATAF study is a randomized clinical trial conducted at Hospital Clínic Barcelona that compared standard care with a nurse-led care programme in patients undergoing their first catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
The programme included:
- Tailored health education on the disease and its treatment.
- Support before and after ablation to address concerns and enable early detection of complications.
- Interventions targeting cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, overweight and sleep apnoea.
- A direct communication channel with nursing staff for non-urgent consultations during follow-up.
Participants were followed for one year after the procedure.
Improved quality of life and fewer arrhythmia recurrences
The results show that, at 12 months, patients who received nurse-led care reported a better quality of life, fewer symptoms and a significant reduction in atrial fibrillation recurrences compared with those receiving standard care.
In addition, this group recorded fewer emergency department visits and showed greater adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking cessation, increased physical activity and improved weight control. The programme also enabled more frequent detection of conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea, which is often underdiagnosed.
The value of nursing in cardiovascular care
According to the study authors, these findings confirm the key role of nursing in the comprehensive care of people with atrial fibrillation, particularly at critical moments such as the period surrounding an ablation procedure. Education, close follow-up and the ability to coordinate care with other healthcare professionals translate into better clinical outcomes and a more satisfactory patient experience.
This care model could also contribute to a more efficient use of healthcare resources.
The project was made possible through funding from two nursing research grants awarded by the Official College of Nurses of Barcelona (COIB) and the Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), which supported the development of both the programme and the study.
Study reference:
Cano-Valls A, Martinez Monblan MA, Carro-Fernández E, Niebla M, Domingo R, Hevia-Puyo S, Venturas-Nieto M, Borras R, Tolosana JM, Porta-Sánchez A, Guichard JB, Althoff TF, Roca-Luque I, Mont L, Guasch E. NURSE-Led Care in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: The NURSECAT-AF Randomized Trial. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2026 Mar;19(3):e014149. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.125.014149. Epub 2026 Feb 26. PMID: 41744095.
