Abstract: Objective To integrate the experience of anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) by meta-synthesis and provide theoretical basis for optimizing anticoagulant therapy management. Methods We searched databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, OVID, CINAHL, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG and CBM to collect relevant qualitative studies and mixed studies from the inception to December 2020. The literature was evaluated by the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative studies in Australia (2016). Meta-synthesis was used to integrate results. Results A total of 16 studies were included; 26 complete research results were extracted; 8 new categories were summarized, and 4 integrated results were obtained: 1.inherent cognition, information missing, and medical resource limitations were inseparable from the lack of decision-making about anticoagulation in patients with AF. 2.There were differences in the treatment attitude of patients with AF, and the initiative of patients receiving treatment was higher. 3. Patients with AF needed multiple social support to cope with the problems in treatment. 4. Patients with AF bore multiple psychological burdens in the process of anticoagulation therapy. Conclusion During the process of anticoagulant therapy, patients with AF often lack decision-making. Their drug preferences are easily ignored, and their treatment attitudes vary. Bearing multiple psychological burdens, they are in urgent need of support from hospitals, families, and communities.

Key words: atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant therapy, experience, qualitative research, Meta-synthesis