A new atrial fibrillation protocol and rationale for acute care

Abstract

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to rise in the UK and this article provides clinicians with an evidence-based protocol for use in an acute ward setting for patients who are diagnosed with acute AF. The protocol has been based on the National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines to ensure that it can be used in trusts across the UK. There is guidance for most members of the multidisciplinary team to follow to ensure they are providing evidence-based care within their own settings. Although this protocol is more focused on acute care settings, it can also be used by clinicians in primary care settings, as they can implement certain guidelines to suit their care settings. As well as pharmacological management, there are also some non-pharmacological management interventions that can be used by nurses and other clinicians to help their patients manage their condition more effectively.