National Atrial Fibrilliation Pilot
Identification of Atrial Fibrillation in Primary Care using a single lead handheld ECG monitor
Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for stroke. In the elderly population atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic or produces mild symptoms. Symptoms may also be absent in this age group. Atrial fibrillation, at present, is not identified in a systematic manner in primary care in Scotland. A barrier to this is easy access to electrocardiography or to reporting of electocardiograms (ECG’s). New technologies allow for more easy identification of patients with atrial fibrillation. The 12 lead ECG is the gold standard for confirming diagnosis but for screening a simple single lead ECG can be used to identify P-waves to assess the regularity of the rhythm. Recently an adaptor unit has been developed for smartphones and hand held computing devices (AliveCor) which allows recording of ECG waveforms.
Primary objectives
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To determine the feasibility of screening for atrial fibrillation in primary care using a single lead ECG monitors.
- To assess the yield of new atrial fibrillation cases, and the proportion of those patients who would be suitable for oral anticoagulation using standard risk scoring systems and bleeding risk systems
- To assess the acceptability of the telehealth model for large scale deployment
This pilot will identify whether implementation of a National Atrial Fibrillation screening programme is feasible, by identifying logistic and technological barriers (and solutions) in setting up a screening pilot.
Chief Investigator: Dr Neil R Grubb
Number and location of participating sites (by region/ country): 4 primary care practices have been identified in 5 regions across Scotland in which screening will be implemented , NHS Lothian, NHS Fife, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Tayside, NHS Grampian
Funder: National Advisory committee for Stoke and MCN & sub and National Advisory Committee for Heart Disease & MCN sub
Start and End date of grant award: 2013-2015
Current Status: Pilot study. Recruitment complete.
Contact details: Digital Health Institute/ Scottish Centre for Telehealth &Telecare
Chief Investigator: Dr Neil Grubb, Consultant Cardiologist, RIE
Research Nurse: Theresa Harper
ECTU Involvement: Research Nurse