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Experts Unveil Tools to Improve Atrial Fibrillation Care
Patient/Caregiver, Clinician and Health System Interventions Aim to Increase Quality of Care
and Reduce Risk of Stroke through Improved Information and Communication
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four interventions to enhance the care and treatment of individuals with atrial fibrillation (Afib) debuted today during a press briefing hosted by The American College of Physicians Foundation’s Initiative on Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention. The goal of the interventions is to address the needs of health care providers, patients and their caregivers, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of stroke.
Afib, the most common type of arrhythmia, currently affects nearly 2.6 million Americans and more than 300,000 are diagnosed each year. The approximately 20 percent of strokes associated with Afib tend to be more severe, disabling, and fatal than other kinds of stroke. However, it is estimated that 60 percent of strokes associated with Afib are preventable.
“Afib – What You and Your Family Need to Know” is a booklet designed to enhance provider-patient communication around Afib and empower Afib patients and families with the knowledge to reduce stroke risk and live well with atrial fibrillation.
Three patient videos geared toward empowering patients to actively engage in their care have been produced and will be available to healthcare providers and patients.
“A Guide for the Quality Improvement Professional and Health System Leadership” is a compendium of information and tools to create awareness of the impact of poor management of Afib within health systems and empower leadership to take necessary action to improve the quality of care provided to the Afib patient population.
“Background Information and Anticoagulation Decision Support” is to be distributed to clinicians to improve clinician knowledge, skills and attitudes around Afib and stroke risk reduction as well as assist in anticoagulation decision-making within their workflow in either the outpatient or inpatient setting.
Dr. Barbara Schuster, MACP, Co-Chair of the Initiative emphasized a critical consideration in determining the appropriate course of treatment to reduce stroke risk in patients with Afib, “The patient with a few falls, who is at average falls risk and has a yearly stroke risk greater than or equal to 2 percent, would have to fall more than 300 times a year for the harm from falls to exceed the benefits of anticoagulation. Only 50 to 64 percent of eligible patients with atrial fibrillation receive anticoagulation therapy.”
The panel at today’s briefing featured distinguished members of the Initiative on Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention, including Samuel Z. Goldhaber, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and Director of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Venous Thromboembolism Research Group; Barbara L. Schuster, MD, MACP, Co-Chair, Afib Initiative National Steering Committee Chair, ACP Foundation Board of Trustees Campus Dean, Georgia Health Sciences University, UGA Medical Partnership; and Doron Schneider, MD, FACP, Co-Chair, Afib Initiative National Steering Committee Medical Director, Center for Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality, Abington Memorial Hospital. These panel members discussed the development process for the interventions as well as dissemination and implementation strategies to maximize opportunities for adoption of the tool nationwide. Tools will be available in electronic and paper-format to suit the varied needs of patients and clinicians in the United States.
Initial outcomes of the evaluation conducted with patients were presented by Dr. Doron Schneider. Nearly every patient who evaluated the booklet stated that it provided helpful information. A majority of patients (65 percent) feel that having read the Guide they are more confident in their ability to talk to their health care providers about the various medicines that are right for their Afib and are "very confident" that they can follow through on medical treatments they need to do at home.
Dr. Samuel Z. Goldhaber emphasized the changing nature of this field, stating, “I predict that introduction of the novel oral anticoagulants will facilitate stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Ultimately, these new drugs will lead to lower stroke rates, better health, and an improved quality of life.”
In the coming weeks and months, the Initiative will be driving awareness and adoption of the interventions throughout the United States. Members of the National Steering Committee will be working to inform major stakeholder organizations and ensure these tools reach their intended recipients.
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“Afib – What You and Your Family Need to Know” is a patient centered booklet developed to enhance provider-patient communication around Afib with a particular focus on reducing stroke risk associated with Afib. Click to download.
Three patient videos geared to empowering patients to actively engage in their care have been produced and will be available to healthcare providers and patients.
Basic Facts About Atrial Fibrillation
Medications that Help Prevent Blood Clots
Afib Hospital Discharge
“A Guide for the Quality Improvement Professional and Health System Leadership” is a compendium of information and tools intended to improve the care of patients with Afib in medical centers and hospital systems. Click to download.
“Background Information and Anticoagulation Decision Support”is to be distributed to clinicians to improve clinician knowledge, skills and attitudes around Afib and stroke reduction, as well as assist in anticoagulation decision-making within their workflow in either the outpatient or inpatient setting. Click to download.