Opportunistic detection of atrial fibrillation in primary care: a mixed methods evaluation of the introduction of new healthcare technology

Abstract

Many people with atrial fibrillation (AF) are undiagnosed. National UK guidance recommends pulse checks for AF during routine patient contact, but this is underperformed. New handheld 2 lead ECG devices are now available to supplement the process of routine pulse check, but their introduction into routine practice in primary care has not been evaluated. As a pilot initiative to improve AF detection in primary care settings, ‘MyDiagnostick’ devices were purchased for use by nurses and health care assistants in 5 GP practices and one nursing team with oversight of residential care facilities, across one Clinical Commissioning Group area in Northern England. The aim of this study was to evaluate the uptake and acceptability of introducing opportunistic AF detection using a handheld ECG device (MyDiagnostick) into routine practice in primary care.