Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation by clinical pharmacists in UK general practice during the influenza vaccination season: A cross-sectional feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Growing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the ageing population and its associated life-changing health and resource implications have led to a need to improve its early detection. Primary care is an ideal place to screen for AF; however, this is limited by shortages in general practitioner (GP) resources. Recent increases in the number of clinical pharmacists within primary care makes them ideally placed to conduct AF screening. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of GP practice-based clinical pharmacists to screen the over-65s for AF, using digital technology and pulse palpation during the influenza vaccination season.

Methods and findings

Screening was conducted over two influenza vaccination seasons, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, in four GP practi

SUBMITTER: Savickas V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7367445 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature