Atrial fibrillation (AF) pilot screening programme in primary care in Ireland: an implementation study protocol

This study aims to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and impact of AF screening in primary care using a handheld mobile ECG device. Methods and analysis General practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in the South of Ireland will opportunistically screen patients aged ≥65 years for AF at routine consultation using a handheld one-lead ECG device, KardiaMobile. This study will screen up to 4000 patients. Blood pressure and smoking status will be checked concurrently. A mixed-method evaluation will be undertaken including a partial economic evaluation. Anonymised data will be collected from participating practices and qualitative interviews will be conducted with GP, nurse and patient participants. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee in University College Cork. Dissemination will involve publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international conferences.
Source: BMJ Open - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Open access, Public health Source Type: research