Screening of Atrial Fibrillation in Dental Practices: a qualitative feasibility study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: To increase the detection of unknown atrial fibrillation (AF), general practitioners have started screening their patients using small devices. It is thought that can also be utilised as they have regular access to patients. Aims: This qualitative study aimed to explore perceptions and barriers of dental staff for screening of AF using a hand-held electronic device in primary dental care. Setting: A large mixed NHS and private general dental practice in the Northwest of England Methods: Views from staff included dentists, dental therapists, dental nurses, and managers. Interviews were semi-structured, face-to-face, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews continued until there were no new themes or patterns emerging from the data and thematic saturation had been achieved. Results: Eleven participants were interviewed, and main themes generated were methodology for screening, acceptability for screening within the practice, attitudes to screening, and implementation of screening. Overall, participants were positive about implementing screening in a dental practice but expressed concerns about time and remuneration. Staff also gave encouraging feedback regarding the simplicity of the portable screening device. Conclusions: Participants felt that AF screening was a good concept but may be challenging to implement in NHS Dentistry, especially due to the pandemic.