Key result
Opportunistic single-lead ECG screening in care homes identifies ~14% AF prevalence.
Why the study?
Care home residents are more likely to develop AF and less likely to receive oral anticoagulants, yet data on AF prevalence using pharmacist-led screening in this setting were needed.
Does opportunistic screening using pulse palpation and single-lead ECG detect unknown atrial fibrillation in care home residents?
Cross-Sectional (n=53)
Yes
Does opportunistic screening using pulse palpation and single-lead ECG detect unknown atrial fibrillation in care home residents?
Opportunistic screening using single-lead ECG by pharmacists in care homes identifies a high prevalence of previously unknown atrial fibrillation (9.6%), highlighting a significant unmet need for stroke prevention in this vulnerable population.
Supports AF screening evaluation in care homes; leaves open whether it improves stroke outcomes.
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of stroke in older people. Exacerbated by age and co-morbidities, residents of care homes are more likely to develop AF and less likely to receive oral anticoagulants. Aim To determine the prevalence of AF using the design and methodology of the Pharmacists Detecting Atrial Fibrillation (PDAF) study in a care home setting. Method A cross-sectional AF screening pilot study within four UK care homes, three residential and one residential/nursing. Screening followed the original PDAF protocol: a manual pulse check, followed by a single-Lead ECG ( SL ECG, AliveCor Kardia Mobile (KMD)) delivered by a pharmacist. All recorded SL ECG were reviewed by a cardiologist and any residents requiring follow-up investigations were referred to their general practitioner. Results Fifty-three of 112 care home residents participated. From 52 SL ECGs recorded, the cardiologist interpreted 13.5% (7/52) as having possible AF of which 9.6% (5/52) were previously unknown. One resident with previously unknown AF received anticoagulation. Conclusion This study has shown a need for AF screening in care homes and that elements of the PDAF screening protocol are transferable in this setting. Early diagnosis and treatment of AF are essential to reduce the risk of stroke in this population.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Savickas et al. (2023) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial fibrillation (n=53). Opportunistic screening using pulse palpation and single-lead ECG (AliveCor Kardia Mobile) was evaluated on Prevalence of atrial fibrillation (known and unknown) (95% CI 5.6-25.8). Opportunistic screening using pulse palpation and a single-lead ECG device in care homes identified a 13.5% prevalence of atrial fibrillation, with 9.6% of cases being previously undiagnosed.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: