Abstract: Objective: To explore the role transition experiences, practical challenges, and support needs of nurses in atrial fibrillation management within the context of digital health, in order to provide references for developing a nursing practice system adapted to the digital era. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted, guided by the role theory. Between January and June 2025, 15 nurses and 16 patients with atrial fibrillation were purposively sampled from the cardiology department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Wuhan for semi-structured interviews. Additionally, three focus group discussions (with 28 participants) and a three-month period of participatory observation were conducted. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis. Results: Four integrated themes were identified: model reconstruction of atrial fibrillation (risk-stratified monitoring, proactive closed-loop care pathway, and remote service extension), role reconstruction (data coordinators, remote coaches, technology enablers, and innovation managers), practical barriers to integrating and promoting digital health technology (insufficient system interoperability, data overload coupled with role ambiguity, and the digital divide), support deficits (lack of personalized training, multidimensional performance incentives, and interdisciplinary collaboration networks). Conclusion: Digital health technologies have driven the expansion of nurses' managerial roles by reshaping the model of atrial fibrillation management. Support systems need to be established to resolve practical dilemmas through role clarification and empowerment.

Key words: digital health technology; atrial fibrillation; nursing management; role transition