Cole J et al.: Opportunistic pulse checks in primary care to improve recognition of atrial fibrillation: a retrospective analysis of electronic patient records. Br J Gen Pract (2018) 68(671):e388-e393.
doi: 10.3399/bjgp18X696605.
Ein systematisches Programm zur Förderung regelmäßiger opportunistischer Puls-Selbstkontrollen bei ≥65-Jährigen konnte 2007-2017 in drei Londoner Bezirken die Häufigkeit der Selbstkontrollen von 7.3 auf 93.1 % steigern. Die alters-adjustierte Prävalenz von Vorhofflimmern stieg im Beobachtungszeitraum von im Mittel 61.4/1000 auf 67.3/1000 um 9.6 % (5.9/1000) signifikant, es wurden 790 zusätzliche Fälle identifiziert.
BACKGROUND:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important and modifiable risk factor for stroke. Earlier identification may reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Trial evidence shows that opportunistic pulse regularity checks in individuals aged ≥65 years increases detection of AF. However, this is not currently recommended by the National Screening Programme or implemented by most clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).
AIM:
To evaluate the impact of a systematic programme to promote pulse regularity checks, the programme’s uptake in general practice, and the prevalence of AF.
DESIGN AND SETTING:
Retrospective analysis of electronic primary care patient records in three east London CCGs (City and Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets) over 10 years.
METHOD:
Rates of pulse regularity checks and prevalence of AF in individuals aged ≥65 years were compared from the pre-intervention period, 2007-2011, to the post-intervention period, 2012-2017.
RESULTS:
Across the three CCGs, rates of pulse regularity checks increased from a mean of 7.3% pre-intervention to 66.4% post-intervention, achieving 93.1% (n = 58 722) in the final year. Age-standardised prevalence of AF in individuals aged ≥65 years increased significantly from a pre-intervention mean of 61.4/1000 to a post-intervention mean of 64.5/1000. There was a significant increase in a post-intervention trend to a final-year mean of 67.3/1000: an improvement of 9.6% (5.9/1000) with 790 additional new cases identified.
CONCLUSION:
Organisational alignment, standardised data entry, peer-performance dashboards, and financial incentives rapidly and generally increased opportunistic screening with pulse regularity checks. This was associated with a significant increase in detection and prevalence of AF and is of public health importance.