What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to determine if intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation decreases the risk of stroke and other related outcomes.

January 18, 2026Open Access

SAFER: a programme of research to determine if intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation reduces risk of stroke

JMJonathan MantDepartment of Public Health ADAndrew DymondUniversity of Cambridge KWKate S. WilliamsUniversity of Leicester

Key Result

Intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation is being tested to assess its impact on reducing stroke risk and other adverse outcomes in a comprehensive trial.

Key Points

This research aims to determine if intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation decreases the risk of stroke and other related outcomes.
Includes feasibility studies and a pilot trial.
Conducts a randomised controlled trial with qualitative studies.
Performs an economic analysis to assess costs and benefits.
Recruitment and screening processes for the trial are complete.
Expected follow-up completion by 2027.
Initial findings may impact understanding of atrial fibrillation management.
Potential positive outcomes for stroke prevention and overall health.

Structured PICO

Does intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation reduce the risk of stroke in adults aged 70 years and over?

Population

Around 89,000 adults aged 70 years and over, not on anticoagulation, not on the palliative care register, and not living in a nursing or residential home.

Intervention

Intermittent screening for atrial fibrillation using a single-lead hand-held ECG device (4 x 30 second traces per day for 3 weeks).

Comparator

Control group receiving no screening, with follow-up via electronic health records.

Outcome

Stroke (ischaemic and haemorrhagic combined)hard clinical

The SAFER programme is a large-scale randomized trial designed to definitively determine whether intermittent single-lead ECG screening for atrial fibrillation in older adults reduces stroke risk.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

This article describes the SAFER programme that was established to determine whether intermittent screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with a single-lead ECG reduces risk of stroke and other key outcomes such as death, dementia and cardiovascular disease. The programme comprises feasibility studies, a pilot trial, a randomised controlled trial, qualitative studies and an economic analysis. Recruitment and screening for the trial has been completed and it is anticipated that follow up will finish in 2027.

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