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 Image 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 This article was published on 2024-09-24
