December 10, 2020
View Full PaperAtrial fibrillation in the UK: predicting costs of an emerging epidemic recognizing and forecasting the cost drivers of atrial fibrillation-related costs
Structured PICO
P
Population
Patients with atrial fibrillation in the UK
O
Outcome
Direct healthcare costs to the NHS
Atrial fibrillation represents a massive and growing economic burden to the UK NHS, driven largely by hospitalizations.
Abstract
Focusing on 2020, AF is predicted to directly cost the NHS a total of a minimum of £1435 m and a maximum of £2548 m (depending on AF prevalence); hence, between 0.9% and 1.6% of NHS expenditure, mostly from primary admissions. The total direct costs of AF would increase to 1.35-4.27% of NHS expenditure, over the next two decades. If hospitalizations can be avoided or reduced, we would substantially reduce the healthcare costs of AF to the NHS.