Screening Program For Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Heart rate from intermittent home measurements within an atrial fibrillation screening program is associated with mortality

Abstract Introduction A high resting heart rate is a predictor of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality. Studies on the association between heart rate and outcomes often measure heart rate at a single time point, even though multiple measurements may be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk. Indeed, the association between short-term home heart rate measurements and outcomes has not been extensively studied. Purpose This sub study of the STROKESTOP trial explores the association of baseline and home resting heart rate measurements with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Methods The STROKESTOP randomised controlled trial consisted of an atrial fibrillation (AF) screening program among the 75- and 76-year-old inhabitants of two Swedish regions. Participants in the intervention group were invited to a two week intermittent screening program, consisting of twice daily measurements with an ECG-based handheld device. For this sub analysis, baseline heart rate, the median of 5 home morning heart rates and the median of 5 home evening heart rates were evaluated. Associations were evaluated by heart rate quintiles (41-63 bpm, 64-70 bpm, 71-76 bpm, 77-84 bpm and ≥85 bpm), with 64-70 bpm as the reference category. Hazard rations were obtained by Cox regression analysis. The full multivariable model included demograhic factors such as sex and educational level, medical history of several diseases and the use of cardiovascular medication. Both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were evaluated. Results In total, 5873 individuals were included in this analysis. Overall, 55.6% were women and the median baseline heart rate was 73 [65-81] bpm, whereas the median of morning heart rates was 71 [64-78] bpm and that of evening heart rates 71 [65-79] bpm. Having a baseline heart rate in the highest quintile compared to the reference quintile, showed a hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in unadjusted analysis of 1.39 (1.11-1.73) (p=0.004), and of 1.51 (1.20-1.90) in the fully adjusted analysis (p<.001). For cardiovascular mortality, HRs were 1.78 (1.21-2.63) (p=0.004) and 2.13 (1.42-3.20) (p=<.001), respectively. The association between the highest heart rate and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were substantially strengthened when median morning heart rates were considered (HR 2.03 (1.61-2.56) and 2.18 (1.72-2.76), p<.001 for all-cause mortality on univariable and multivariable analysis, HR 2.35 (1.57-3.51) and 2.59 (1.72-3.92), p<.001) for cardiovascular mortality). Associations between home evening heart rates and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were not substantially stronger compared to the associations with baseline heart rate. Conclusion Our study shows that home-measured morning heart rate is more strongly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared to a single time-point office heart rate.Hazard ratios for mortality

Adherence to a handheld device-based atrial fibrillation screening protocol is associated with clinical outcomes

ObjectiveTo evaluate adherence and adherence consistency to the handheld ECG device-based screening protocol and their association with adverse cerebral and cardiovascular outcomes in two systematic atrial fibrillation (AF) screening programmes.MethodsIn...

Screening for atrial fibrillation by village doctors in rural areas of china: the jiangsu province rural community atrial fibrillation project

Abstract Background No study has systematically investigated the quality of long-term care delivered to the rural elderly with chronic diseases in China. Since atrial fibrillation (AF) is becoming an increasing burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Purpose We conducted an AF screening programme in rural elderly and evaluated healthcare efficiency led by the village doctors in China. Methods This cross-sectional study of the rural population aged ≥65 years was conducted from April to June 2019 in our towns of Jiangsu Province. AF was identified using 12-lead electrocardiography in the first-step (government-led health examination) and single-lead electrocardiography in the second-step (in-house AF screening). Questionnaire surveys were designed for the AF patients and their village doctors, respectively. Results Among the 31,342 registered subjects, 12,630 (40·3%) declined, 7,956 (25·3%) participated in the first-step and 10,756 (34·3%) in the second-step (Figure 1). The overall AF detection rate was 4·3% (810/18,712). Of the 810 patients with AF (mean age 76·1±5·9 years; 51·4% female), 51·5% had education level below primary school, 2·6% could use smartphone applications, and 8·1% lived with their children. Common risk factors were older age, men, hypertension, diabetes, prior stroke, vascular disease, and congestive heart failure. Among the 402 patients who were aware of AF, there were 367 were at high risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3 in women or ≥2 in men) and OAC was currently used in only 10·9% (40/367) of these (Figure 2). Only 17·6% (91/516) of patients with known hypertension had a resting blood pressure level <140/90 mmHg, and 6·0% (8/132) of patients with known diabetes had a fasting blood glucose level ≤6·1 mmol/L. Our questionnaire survey for village doctors showed that only 7·3% (9/122) reported having the knowledge or ability for providing integrated care AF management. Conclusions This screening project in rural villages identified AF in 4·3%, but AF management was suboptimal with low use of oral anticoagulation. The current village doctor-dominant rural healthcare system is far from delivering optimal standardized AF management for older patients in rural China. There is a urgent need to support these rural clinics and empower the village doctors in optimising the care of AF patients.The flow chart of this studyThe use of oral anticoagulation

Abstract 15584: Artificial Intelligence-Guided Screening for Atrial Fibrillation Detection Among Patients With Different Socioeconomic Status

Introduction: Recently, an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm was validated for identifying ECG signatures of atrial fibrillation (AF) risk during normal sinus rhythm. Traditionally, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are less likely to receive novel or guideline-recommended treatments, and have high chronic disease burden, including cardiovascular diseases. There have also been concerns about new technologies creating a digital divide, worsening existing health disparities. Hypothesis: An AI algorithm will detect AF risk unequally across patients with different levels of social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods: The initial prospective, non-randomized, interventional study leveraged EHR and digital technologies to prospectively enroll 1004 patients with a broad range of AI-ECG risks of AF, who received continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring for up to 30 days. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used as a composite measure of SDOH which is comprised of indicators spanning four domains: income, education, employment, and house quality. 904 intervention patients linked to the ADI data were matched to 904 real-world control patients derived from eligible but unenrolled patients. Those with ADI under 33% were defined as having better SODH; and patients with ADI above 33% were defined as having worse SODH. Results: Median age was 74 years and 38% were women. After matching, the intervention and control arms were balanced in all baseline characteristics, including HF, HTN, diabetes, stroke, CAD and ADI. A hazard ratio of 3.11 (P<0.001) was computed when comparing intervention to control for primary AF diagnosis outcome. In patients with worse SDOH, the intervention increased AF detection from 2.6% to 8.8% (HR 3.63 [2.09, 6.32]); in the better SDOH, the intervention increased AF detection from 3.9% to 9.3% (2.41 [1.23, 4.74]). Conclusions: An AI-guided AF screening program increased the detection of AF in both patients with better or worse SDOH. The current study validates the use of AI in historically disadvantaged populations displaying the possibility for broad implementation with decreased possibility of perpetuating disparities.

The Report of Community-Based and Government-Endorsed Screening Program of Atrial Fibrillation in Taiwan.

Although international guidelines recommended opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), the community-based AF screening program incorporated into the government-endorsed health care system is rarely reported in Asian countries. We aimed to test the feasibility of adding AF screening into the preexistent adult health check program and report the AF detection rate and percentages of OAC prescriptions before and after AF screening with the involvement of public health care systems. We performed this program in three counties (Chiayi county, Keelung City, and Yilan county) in Taiwan which have their own official preexistent adult health check programs conducted by public health bureaus for years. However, electrocardiography (ECG) was not included in these programs before. We cooperated with the public health bureaus of the three counties and performed single-lead 30-second ECG recording for every participant. From January to December 2020, AF screening was performed in 199 sessions with 23,572 participants. AF was detected in 278 subjects with a detection rate of 1.19% (age ≥65 years: 2.39%; ≥75 years: 3.73%). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of these 278 subjects was 2.36, with 91% of them had a score ≥1 (males) or ≥2 (females). The number needed to screen was 42 and 27 for subjects aged ≥65 and ≥75 years, respectively. The prescription rate of OACs significantly increased from 11.4 to 60.6% in Chiayi county and from 15.8 to 50.0% in Keelung City after screening (both p-values <0.001). This community-based and government-endorsed AF screening project in Taiwan demonstrated that incorporation of AF screening into the preexistent adult health check programs through co-operations with the government was feasible. Actions to detect AF, good education, and well-organized transferring plan after AF being detected with the involvement of public health care systems could result in a substantial increase in the prescription rate of OACs.

The association between adherence to a systematic atrial fibrillation screening program and clinical outcomes: a subanalysis from the STROKESTOP study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Stockholm County Council, the Swedish Heart &amp; Lung Foundation Introduction Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in older adults and high-risk patients may be beneficial in preventing clinical outcomes such as stroke. Studies on clinical outcomes in screening-detected AF have highlighted difficulties in getting the population at highest risk to participate in screening programs. Whether the risk of clinical outcomes differs among individuals depending on the level of adherence to the screening program instructions, is currently unknown. Purpose To explore associations between different levels of adherence consistency of and adherence to systematic screening, consisting of measurements using a handheld ECG device, and clinical outcomes. Methods Half of all 75- and 76-year old inhabitants of two Swedish regions were invited to participate in an AF screening program (STROKESTOP I study). Participants in whom AF was not diagnosed previously or during the baseline visit, were asked to perform 30-seconds recordings using a handheld ECG device twice daily for a period of two weeks. The total screening period consisted of 13 days. Adherence was defined as the total number of recordings performed divided by the total number of recordings asked, whereas adherence consistency was defined as the number of screening days on which the asked number of recordings was performed. Based on the thresholds when 90% of AF cases were detected, the participants were divided into low (&amp;lt;73%), moderate (73-99%) and optimal (≥100%) adherence and low (10 days), moderate (11-12 days) and optimal (13 days) adherence consistency groups. Results In total, 6436 participants (3585 females (55.7%)) were included in the analysis. Participants with low adherence consistency were at higher risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio (HR) 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-2.3), p=0.001), systemic embolism (HR 1.7 (1.3-2.4), p=&amp;lt;0.001), dementia (HR 1.7 (1.3-2.2), p&amp;lt;0.001), and a composite endpoint of stroke, systemic embolism, bleeding leading to hospitalisation, and all-cause death (HR 1.3 (1.1-1.5), p=0.001), as well as the composite endpoint with the addition of cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 1.2 (1.1-1.4), p=0.001) compared to patients in the optimal group (Figure 1). In addition, participants with low adherence were at higher risk of the composite endpoint with cardiovascular hospitalisation (HR 1.3 (1.0-1.7), p=0.018), as well as of the individual endpoints dementia (HR 2.5 (1.7-3.6), p&amp;lt;0.001) and cardiovascular death (HR 2.1 (1.3-3.6), p=0.004). Conclusion Low adherence and adherence consistency in systematic screening for AF were associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular and cerebral outcomes.

Adherence to a mobile health-based atrial fibrillation screening program: a subanalysis from STROKESTOP I and II

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Stockholm County Council, the Swedish Heart &amp; Lung Foundation Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke, which may be reduced through timely and adequate treatment initiation. Consequently, early detection of AF is important. In a recent European Heart Rhythm Association practical guide on the use of digital devices, systematic screening for AF of those ≥75 years is recommended. Purpose To 1) evaluate adherence and adherence consistency to a handheld electrocardiography (ECG)-based device for AF screening and 2) evaluate factors associated with optimal adherence and adherence consistency. Methods In STROKESTOP I and II, half of the 75- and 76-year old population in up to two regions in Sweden were invited to an AF screening program. Participants without previously known AF and without AF during baseline visit, were asked to perform 30-seconds recordings using a handheld ECG-based device for a period of two weeks twice daily in STROKESTOP I and four times a day in STROKESTOP II. Adherence was defined as the number of recordings performed per number of recordings that were asked from the participant over the entire screening period. Adherence consistency was defined as full screening days, i.e. the number of screening days on which the asked number of recordings was performed. Since baseline date was excluded from analysis, the total screening period consisted of 13 days. Results In total, 6436 participants from STROKESTOP I (3585 females (55.7%)) and 3712 participants from STROKESTOP II (2218 females (59.8%)) were included in the current analysis. Median adherence was 100% [92-100%] and 90% [75-98%] in STROKESTOP I and II, respectively. The median number of full screening days was 12 [11-13] in STROKESTOP I and 8 [3-11] in STROKESTOP II. In STROKESTOP I, female sex, region of inclusion, income in 1st to 3rd quartile and no university or college education were factors independently associated with both optimal adherence and adherence consistency (Figure 1). In addition, no previous stroke or transient ischemic attack and the use of beta blockers were associated with optimal adherence, whereas no diabetes and low alcohol index were associated with optimal adherence consistency. In STROKESTOP II, socioeconomic factors were not available at the time of the current analysis. Other associations (female sex, absence of diabetes) were comparable to STROKESTOP I. Conclusions In this screening program for AF, median adherence was optimal in case of twice daily measurements, and nearly optimal in case of measurements four times a day. Several demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as low alcohol index and the absence of diabetes and previous stroke were associated with optimal adherence and/or adherence consistency.

Facilitators and barriers to atrial fibrillation screening in primary care: a qualitative descriptive study of GPs in primary care in the Republic of Ireland.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is a major risk factor for stroke. AF is often asymptomatic, making it difficult to diagnose. Globally, stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Opportunistic AF screening has been recommended in clinical practice within the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and internationally, though the optimal mode and location remains under investigation. Currently, there is no formal AF screening programme. Primary care has been proposed as a suitable setting. To identify the facilitators and barriers to AF screening in primary care from the perspective of GPs. A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted. Fifty-four GPs were invited from 25 practices in the RoI to participate in individual interviews at their practices. Participants were from both rural and urban locations. A topic guide was developed to guide the interview content towards identification of facilitators and barriers to AF screening. The interviews were conducted in person, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using framework analysis. Eight GPs from five practices participated in an interview. Three GPs, two male and one female, were recruited from two rural practices and five GPs, two male and three female, were recruited from three urban practices. All eight GPs expressed a willingness to engage in AF screening. Time pressures and the need for additional staff to support were identified as barriers. Programme structure and patient awareness campaigns and education were identified as facilitators. The findings will help to anticipate barriers to AF screening and aid the development of clinical pathways for people with or at risk of AF. The results have been integrated into a pilot primary care-based screening programme for AF.

General practitioners' perceptions on opportunistic single-time point screening for atrial fibrillation: A European quantitative survey.

There is no clear guidance on how to implement opportunistic atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in daily clinical practice. This study evaluated the perception of general practitioners (GPs) about value and practicalities of implementing screening for AF, focusing on opportunistic single-time point screening with a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) device. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a survey developed to assess overall perception concerning AF screening, feasibility of opportunistic single-lead ECG screening and implementation requirements and barriers. A total of 659 responses were collected (36.1% Eastern, 33.4% Western, 12.1% Southern, 10.0% Northern Europe, 8.3% United Kingdom & Ireland). The perceived need for standardized AF screening was rated as 82.7 on a scale from 0 to 100. The vast majority (88.0%) indicated no AF screening program is established in their region. Three out of four GPs (72.1%, lowest in Eastern and Southern Europe) were equipped with a 12-lead ECG, while a single-lead ECG was less common (10.8%, highest in United Kingdom & Ireland). Three in five GPs (59.3%) feel confident ruling out AF on a single-lead ECG strip. Assistance through more education (28.7%) and a tele-healthcare service offering advice on ambiguous tracings (25.2%) would be helpful. Preferred strategies to overcome barriers like insufficient (qualified) staff, included integrating AF screening with other healthcare programs (24.9%) and algorithms to identify patients most suitable for AF screening (24.3%). GPs perceive a strong need for a standardized AF screening approach. Additional resources may be required to have it widely adopted into clinical practice.

Regional implementation of atrial fibrillation screening: benefits and pitfalls.

Despite general awareness that screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) could reduce health hazards, large-scale implementation is lagging behind technological developments. As the successful implementation of a screening programme remains challenging, this study aims to identify facilitating and inhibiting factors from healthcare providers' perspectives. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather data among practice nurses in primary care in the southern region of the Netherlands to evaluate the implementation of an ongoing single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)-based AF screening programme. Potential facilitating and inhibiting factors were evaluated using online questionnaires (N = 74/75%) and 14 (of 24) semi-structured in-depth interviews (58.3%). All analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. In total, 16 682 screenings were performed on an eligible population of 64 000, and 100 new AF cases were detected. Facilitating factors included 'receiving clear instructions' (mean ± SD; 4.12 ± 1.05), 'easy use of the ECG-based device' (4.58 ± 0.68), and 'patient satisfaction' (4.22 ± 0.65). Inhibiting factors were 'time availability' (3.20 ± 1.10), 'insufficient feedback to the practice nurse' (2.15 ± 0.89), 'absence of coordination' (54%), and the 'lack of fitting policy' (32%). Large-scale regional implementation of an AF screening programme in primary care resulted in a low participation of all eligible patients. Based on the perceived barriers by healthcare providers, future AF screening programmes should create preconditions to fit the intervention into daily routines, appointing an overall project lead and a General Practitioner (GP) as a coordinator within every GP practice.

Screening for Atrial Fibrillation by Village Doctors in Rural Areas of China: The Jiangsu Province Rural Community AF Project

China has a large population of elderly in rural areas. Village doctors are acting as health-care gatekeepers for the rural elderly in China and are encouraged to provide more long-term care for patients with chronic diseases such as atrial fibrillation (AF). The data of AF registries from the rural elderly are limited. The present registry aims to provide contemporary data on the current AF-related health status of the rural elderly and the gaps in management of AF by village doctors. This study has two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional study of AF screening in two rural towns of eastern China. All the residents aged ≥65 years are eligible and will be invited to attend a government-led health examination or an in-house AF screening program. The AF detection rate, the awareness of AF and the usage of oral anticoagulants and smartphones by AF patients, and the ability to diagnose and manage AF by village doctors will be assessed. Participants with AF detected in the first phase are eligible for the second phase. A variety of modes of intensified education will be provided to all AF patients and their family members to enrich their AF-related knowledge. Their village doctors will be offered a lecture-based training program focusing on Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway. Follow-up will be conducted for 1 year. The primary endpoint is the composite of all stroke and all-cause mortality. The first phase of AF screening was conducted between April 2019 and June 2019, and 18,712 participants with the mean age of 73.1±5.8 years were enrolled. The second phase that includes 810 patients with AF, started on 1 May 2019. This study will provide a perspective of primary care system and would indirectly reflect the current status of chronic disease care in rural China.

Prioritising electrocardiograms for manual review to improve the efficiency of atrial fibrillation screening.

Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) could reduce the incidence of stroke by identifying undiagnosed AF and prompting anticoagulation. However, screening may involve recording many electrocardiograms (ECGs) from each participant, several of which require manual review which is costly and time-consuming. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the number of ECG reviews could be reduced by using a model to prioritise ECGs for review, whilst still accurately diagnosing AF. A multiple logistic regression model was created to estimate the likelihood of an ECG exhibiting AF based on the mean RR-interval and variability in RR-intervals. It was trained on 1,428 manually labelled ECGs from 144 AF screening programme participants, and evaluated using 11,443 ECGs from 1,521 participants. When using the model to order ECGs for review, the number of reviews for AF participants was reduced by 74% since no further reviews are required after an AF ECG is identified; however, it did not impact the number of reviews in non-AF participants (the vast majority of participants), so the overall number of reviews was reduced by 3% with no missed AF diagnoses. When using the model to also exclude ECGs from review, the overall number of reviews was reduced by 28% with no missed AF diagnoses, and by 53% with only 4% of AF diagnoses missed. In conclusion, the workload can be reduced by using a model to prioritise ECGs for review. Ordering ECGs alone only provides only a moderate reduction in workload. The additional use of a threshold to exclude ECGs from review provides a much greater reduction in workload at the expense of some missed AF diagnoses. Clinical Relevance-This shows the potential benefit of using a model to prioritise electrocardiograms for review in order to reduce the manual workload of AF screening.

European survey on general practitioners’ perceptions on opportunistic single time point screening for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This study falls within the AFFECT-EU project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation Programme under grant agreement No 847770. Background Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) by pulse taking or electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strip is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in all patients ≥65 years. Systematic ECG screening should be considered to detect AF in individuals above 75 years, or those at high risk of stroke. There is no clear guidance on how to implement opportunistic or systematic AF screening in daily clinical practice. Purpose This study evaluated the perception of general practitioners (GPs) in Europe concerning value and practicalities to implement AF screening in daily clinical practice, focussing on opportunistic single time point screening. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a survey developed to assess (1) the overall perception concerning AF screening, (2) feasibility of opportunistic single lead ECG screening and (3) implementation requirements and barriers. This questionnaire was validated for its content during various iterations by experts in the field. The dissemination of the survey aimed to reach mainly GPs and was carried out through contacting GP organizations and personal GP networks. Results presented here were collected between July and mid-December 2021. Results A total of 414 responses were collected (45.0% Eastern, 21.3% Central, 15.0% Northern, 12.8% Western, 5.3% Southern Europe and 0.7% outside Europe). The need for standardised AF screening was rated as 83.2 on a scale from 0 to 100, which was almost as high as for colon (85.6), breast (86.1) and cervical (89.2) cancers. The vast majority (88.6%) indicated that no AF screening programme is established in their region, and three out of four GPs (72.7%, lowest in Eastern and Southern Europe) were equipped with a 12-lead ECG, while a single lead ECG was less common (16.2%, highest in West Europe). Nevertheless, three in five GPs (59.2%) stated that they would feel confident in ruling out AF on a 30-second single lead ECG rhythm strip. To improve their confidence, 31.2% of GPs indicated that more education on ECG in general would be helpful, 25.7% would consider a standardised follow-up pathway with the possibility of a quick referral to the cardiologist of added value, and 22.4% would perceive a tele-healthcare service with advice on ECG tracings as helpful. The main obstacles reported by GPs to implement opportunistic single lead ECG screening were diverse (Figure 1) and several strategies were proposed to overcome these barriers (Figure 2). Conclusions Despite the absence of a standardised AF screening programme, there is a strong perceived need for an evidenced based approach. To implement AF screening in clinical practice, integration with other healthcare programmes and software systems with algorithms to identify patients suitable for screening would be helpful.

Abstract 189: Implementing Systematic Screening Driven By Quality Improvement Education (QIE) For Atrial Fibrillation During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Insight From Primary Care Setting In The United States

Background: Asymptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) pose challenges to diagnosis. Early diagnosis can reduce morbidity and mortality. Systematic screening in primary care may result in early intervention. Objectives: We sought to examine the implementation outcomes of a systematic, team-based quality improvement education (QIE) intervention for AF screening in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: QIE intervention was implemented in academic-based (n=4) and community-based (n=2) practices to address COVID-19 challenges. Surveys administered by site identified existing approaches and provider teams developed screening protocol based on targeted education, deploying a mobile ECG device (Kardiamobile™). Patient charts were reviewed (Dec 2020 - May 2021) to determine eligibility, i.e., patients aged 65–74 (with prior stroke/TIA or two other risk factors) or aged ≥75 (with one other risk factor) without prior AF. Patient EHR data were examined for demographic/clinical data and screening outcome. Provider interviews (n=12) and validation from representative patients (n=2) accounted for sustainability of outcomes. Results: A total of 1,221 patients were evaluated for AF risk, with 408 eligible for screening. Of these, 277 (68%) were female and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc varied -score=3 (45%); score=4 (24%); score=5+ (31%). Patients (n=7; 2%) who screened positive for AF were referred or started on anticoagulation, like other primary care studies. Figure 1 shows how systematic screening was re-imagined and implemented Satisfaction and engagement increased among providers and patients - attributed, in part, to benefits of team-based planning and targeted education. Conclusion: An AF screening program was adapted to improve patient care despite COVID-19 related challenges. A QIE toolkit was launched to assist primary care practices with implementing streamlined, sustainable, and patient-engaging strategies to reduce stroke.

Why do people take part in atrial fibrillation screening? Qualitative interview study in English primary care

ObjectivesThere is insufficient evidence to support national screening programmes for atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, some practitioners, policy-makers and special interest groups have encouraged introduction of opportunistic screening in primary care...

Feasibility of digital atrial fibrillation screening in an elderly population : The Ulm heart rhythm weeks.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in risk populations has the potential to prevent strokes. The authors tested the feasibility of adigital program with initial photoplethysmographic (PPG) self-screening and cardiologist-attended electrocardiographic (ECG) confirmation of screen-positive cases. Inhabitants of the city of Ulm aged ≥ 65years were invited to participate. After digital consent, participants were given access to asmartphone application for 14days of self-screening (two recordings per day recommended). Screen-positive participants without known AF were invited to present to acardiologist for AF confirmation with a14-day ECG event recorder. PPG recordings were first analyzed by algorithm using acombination of linear and non-linear methods. The quality of pathological (classified by algorithm) PPG and all ECG recordings were checked by atelecare service. Primary outcomes included adherence to the screening protocol defined as the proportion of participants performing at least 14PPG recordings (or until documentation of absolute arrhythmia) and the proportion of pathological PPG and all ECG recordings rejected by the telecare center. A total of 215participants registered. Of these, 204 (95%) performed at least one recording and 169 (79%) reached the performance target of two sufficient measurements per day; 75PPG recordings were automatically classified as pathological by algorithm; 14(19%) were rejected by the telecare service due to poor quality. Of the 12participants with asuspected first diagnosis of AF, five visited acardiologist as part of the study. Of 1090 ECG recordings obtained, 390 (36%) were qualified as non-diagnostic. AF was confirmed in three cases. Adigital AF screening program with initial self-screening and referral of screen-positive cases to acardiologist-attended ECG-confirmation service is feasible with meaningful results in an elderly risk population. However, the availability of the target population of persons > 65years of age for such adigital screening program appears to be limited despite extensive public relations activities.

A Patient-led Atrial Fibrillation Screening Program in Community-Dwelling Elderly Population Using Handheld Electrocardiogram Devices Integrated With a Clinician-coordinated Centralised System: A Pilot Study Protocol

Worldwide, there are 60 million people living with atrial fibrillation (AF). Early AF detection and anticoagulation reduce risk of stroke. However, an AF screening program that facilitates AF diagnosis and management has not been established. The contexts of patients (e.g., frailty and social circumstances) and general practitioners’ (GPs) (e.g., time pressure in clinical practice) affect AF screening and access to therapy.

Atrial Fibrillation Screen, Management, and Guideline-Recommended Therapy in the Rural Primary Care Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of eHealth Tools to Support All Stages of Screening.

BACKGROUNDInternationally, most atrial fibrillation (AF) management guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for AF in people ≥65 years of age and oral anticoagulant treatment for those at high stroke risk (CHA₂DS₂‐VA≥2). However, gaps remain in screening and treatment.METHODS AND RESULTSGeneral practitioners/nurses at practices in rural Australia (n=8) screened eligible patients (≥65 years of age without AF) using a smartphone ECG during practice visits. eHealth tools included electronic prompts, guideline‐based electronic decision support, and regular data reports. Clinical audit tools extracted de‐identified data. Results were compared with an earlier study in metropolitan practices (n=8) and nonrandomized control practices (n=69). Cost‐effectiveness analysis compared population‐based screening with no screening and included screening, treatment, and hospitalization costs for stroke and serious bleeding events. Patients (n=3103, 34%) were screened (mean age, 75.1±6.8 years; 47% men) and 36 (1.2%) new AF cases were confirmed (mean age, 77.0 years; 64% men; mean CHA₂DS₂‐VA, 3.2). Oral anticoagulant treatment rates for patients with CHA₂DS₂‐VA≥2 were 82% (screen detected) versus 74% (preexisting AF)(P=NS), similar to metropolitan and nonrandomized control practices. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for population‐based screening was AU$16 578 per quality‐adjusted life year gained and AU$84 383 per stroke prevented compared with no screening. National implementation would prevent 147 strokes per year. Increasing the proportion screened to 75% would prevent 177 additional strokes per year.CONCLUSIONSAn AF screening program in rural practices, supported by eHealth tools, screened 34% of eligible patients and was cost‐effective. Oral anticoagulant treatment rates were relatively high at baseline, trending upward during the study. Increasing the proportion screened would prevent many more strokes with minimal incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio change. eHealth tools, including data reports, may be a valuable addition to future programs.REGISTRATIONURL: https://www.anzctr.org.au. Unique identifier: ACTRN12618000004268.

Large-scale implementation of a pragmatic atrial fibrillation screening program in Canadian community practice.

Large-scale implementation of a pragmatic atrial fibrillation screening program in Canadian community practice.

223Atrial fibrillation screen, management and guideline recommended therapy (AF SMART II) in the rural primary care setting: eHealth tools to support all stages of screening

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements National Heart Foundation of Australia: CVRN Grant and Vanguard Grant; investigator-initiated grant from Pfizer-BMS; AliveCor provided free devices BACKGROUND Internationally, most atrial fibrillation (AF) management guidelines recommend screening for AF in people aged ≥65 years, as well as treatment with oral anticoagulants (OAC) for those at high stroke risk ( CHA2DS2-VA ≥2). However, in practice, gaps remain in both screening and treatment. In Australian general practice in 2017, the estimated rate of AF screening was 11%, and only about 60% of diagnosed AF patients received guideline-based OAC. Our 2018 screening study using eHealth tools in metropolitan general practices increased screening to 16% of eligible patients, leading to further refinement of the eHealth tools. PURPOSE To investigate the impact of an AF screening program in rural general practices, using a suite of custom-designed eHealth tools designed to increase the proportion screened and treated for AF in accordance with guidelines. METHODS General practices (n = 8) in rural New South Wales, Australia participated in the study between September 2018 – June 2019. General practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses conducted opportunistic screening of eligible patients (i.e. aged ≥65 years without existing AF diagnosis) using a smartphone electrocardiogram during practice visits. Practices were also provided with 1) an electronic screening prompt (which appeared when an eligible patient’s file was opened); 2) electronic decision support based on ESC/Australian treatment guidelines; and 3) regular customised data reports aimed at quality improvement (Figure 1). A clinical audit tool was used to extract deidentified data from practices. RESULTS A total of 3,103 eligible patients (mean age 75.1 ± 6.8 years, 47% male) who attended the 8 practices during the study period were screened (median screening period 4.6 months). Practices screened a median of 35% of eligible patients (range 9-51% per practice), with 4/8 practices screening &amp;gt;40% of eligible patients. 36 (1.2%) new cases of AF were confirmed (mean age 77.0 years, 64% male, mean CHA2DS2-VA = 2.9). GPs (n = 22) screened 30% (range 1-182 per GP) of patients and nurses (n = 40) screened 70% (range 1-192 per nurse). OAC treatment rates of patients with AF with CHA2DS2-VA≥2 were 82% (screen-detected), 78% (clinically-detected during study period) and 75% (pre-existing AF), with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS In the rural general practice setting, an AF screening program supported by eHealth tools resulted in 35% of eligible people screened, which is substantially higher than the 16% achieved in our previous study. Half the practices screened 40-50% of eligible patients, suggesting this may represent a ‘ceiling’ of patients captured by opportunistic AF screening programs. OAC treatment rates were higher than previous studies at baseline and were trending upwards during the study. eHealth tools, particularly including customised data reports as part of an audit and feedback system, may be a valuable addition to future screening programs. Abstract Figure 1 - screening process