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Mann HK, Streiff M, Schultz KC, Halpern DV, Ferry D, Johnson AE, Magnani JW. Rurality and Atrial Fibrillation: Patient Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Care. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e031152. [PMID: 37889198 PMCID: PMC10727401 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Patients experience atrial fibrillation (AF) as a complex disease given its adversity, chronicity, and necessity for long-term treatments. Few studies have examined the experience of rural individuals with AF. We conducted qualitative assessments of patients with AF residing in rural, western Pennsylvania to identify barriers and facilitators to care. Methods and Results We conducted 8 semistructured virtual focus groups with 42 individuals living in rural western Pennsylvania using contextually tailored questions to assess participant perspectives. We inductively analyzed focus group transcripts using paragraph-by-paragraph and focused coding to identify themes with the qualitative description approach. We used Krippendorff α scoring to determine interreviewer reliability. We harnessed investigator triangulation to augment the reliability of our findings. We reached thematic saturation after coding 8 focus groups. Participants were 52.4% women, with a median age of 70.9 years (range, 54.5-82.0 years), and most were White race (92.9%). Participants identified medication costliness, invisibility of AF to others, and lack of emergent transportation as barriers to care. Participants described interpersonal support and use of technology as important for AF self-care, and expressed ambivalence about how relationships with health care providers affected AF care. Conclusions Focus group participants described multiple social and structural barriers to care for AF. Our findings highlight the complexity of the experience of individuals with AF residing in rural western Pennsylvania. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04076020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meg Streiff
- University Center for Social and Urban ResearchUniversity of PittsburghPA
| | - Kevan C. Schultz
- University Center for Social and Urban ResearchUniversity of PittsburghPA
| | - David V. Halpern
- University Center for Social and Urban ResearchUniversity of PittsburghPA
| | - Danielle Ferry
- Center for Research on Health Care, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Amber E. Johnson
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
| | - Jared W. Magnani
- Center for Research on Health Care, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA
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Boriani G, Auricchio A, Botto GL, Joseph JM, Roberts GJ, Grammatico A, Nabutovsky Y, Piccini JP. Insertable cardiac monitoring results in higher rates of atrial fibrillation diagnosis and oral anticoagulation prescription after ischaemic stroke. Europace 2023; 25:euad212. [PMID: 37490349 PMCID: PMC10403249 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS After an ischaemic stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF) detection allows for improved secondary prevention strategies. This study aimed to compare AF detection and oral anticoagulant (OAC) initiation in patients with an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) vs. external cardiac monitor (ECM) after ischaemic stroke. METHODS AND RESULTS Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) insurance claims and Abbott Labs device registration data were used to identify patients hospitalized with an ischaemic stroke in 2017-2019 who received an ICM or ECM within 3 months. Patients with continuous Medicare FFS insurance and prescription drug enrolment in the prior year were included. Patients with prior AF, atrial flutter, cardiac devices, or OAC were excluded. Insertable cardiac monitor and ECM patients were propensity score matched 1:4 on demographics, comorbidities, and stroke hospitalization characteristics. The outcomes of interest were AF detection and OAC initiation evaluated with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. A total of 5702 Medicare beneficiaries (ICM, n = 444; ECM, n = 5258) met inclusion criteria. The matched cohort consisted of 2210 Medicare beneficiaries (ICM, n = 442; ECM, n = 1768) with 53% female, mean age 75 years, and mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 4.6 (1.6). Insertable cardiac monitor use was associated with a higher probability of AF detection [(hazard ratio (HR) 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.31, 3.59)] and OAC initiation [HR 2.91, CI (2.28, 3.72)] compared to patients monitored only with ECM. CONCLUSION Patients with an ischaemic stroke monitored with an ICM were almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with AF and to be prescribed OAC compared to patients who received ECM only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Boriani
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo, 71, Modena 41124, Italy
| | - Angelo Auricchio
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Luca Botto
- Department of Cardiology—Electrophysiology, ASST Rhodense, Civile Hospital Rho and Salvini Hospital Garbagnate Milanese Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Caverley ZR, Bindler RJ, Soh P, Mendelson S. Direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin safety in rural patients with obesity. Am J Med Sci 2023; 365:413-419. [PMID: 36693495 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are often used in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter instead of warfarin and although supporting evidence is limited, available studies suggest this may be an acceptable route of care. Our study assessed the question: are DOACs as effective and safe as warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and class III obesity specifically in a rural population? METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted by examining the first 6-12 months of therapy with a DOAC (apixaban or rivaroxaban) or warfarin in patients with weight >120kg or class III obesity. Events of interest, thrombosis and bleeding, were documented for analysis. The risk and odds of events of interest for both groups were calculated and compared. RESULTS Characteristics of both arms were similar (DOAC n=42; warfarin n=43). A lack of thrombosis events limited efficacy analysis. A total of 22 bleeds occurred with 8 in patients prescribed a DOAC (7 minor; 1 major) and 14 in those prescribed warfarin (12 minor; 2 major). Weight in kg (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.013) and HAS-BLED score (p=0.035) were predictive of a first bleeding event in patients prescribed warfarin. The odds ratio for any type of bleed on DOAC vs warfarin was 0.55 (0.180-1.681; 95% CI). CONCLUSIONS In patients with atrial fibrillation and class III obesity, regarding safety, DOACs appear to be non-inferior to warfarin during the first six to 12 months of therapy in our rural population - consistent with other analyses; however, the lack of thrombosis events limited the efficacy analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ross J Bindler
- Washington State University Spokane, College of Nursing and Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Pamela Soh
- Providence Seaside Hospital, Seaside, OR, USA
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Shakibajahromi B, Kasner SE, Schmitt C, Favilla CG. Anticoagulation under-utilization in atrial fibrillation patients is responsible for a large proportion of strokes requiring endovascular therapy. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:106980. [PMID: 36634399 PMCID: PMC9928840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.106980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for 30-50% of large strokes requiring endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Anticoagulation (AC) underutilization is a common source of AF-related stroke. We compared antithrombotic medications among stroke patients with AF that did or did not undergo EVT to determine if AC underutilization disproportionately results in strokes requiring EVT, while quantifying the proportion of likely preventable thrombectomies. METHODS This retrospective single-center cohort included consecutive patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke between 2016 and 2021. Patients were categorized based on the presence of AF, and pre-admission antithrombotic medications were compared between those who underwent EVT and those who didn't. The reason for not being on AC was abstracted from the medical record, and patients were categorized as either AC eligible or AC contraindicated. RESULTS Of 3092 acute ischemic stroke patients, 644 had a history of AF, 213 of whom underwent EVT. Patients who required EVT were more likely to not be taking any antithrombotics prior to admission (34% vs 24%, p=0.007) or have subtherapeutic INR on admission if taking warfarin (83% vs 63%; p = 0.046). Among the AF-EVT patients, 44% were taking AC, and only 31% were adequately anticoagulated. Only 8% of AF-EVT patients who were not on pre-admission AC had a clear contraindication, and 94% were ultimately discharged on AC. CONCLUSIONS Lack of antithrombotic therapy in AF patients disproportionately contributes to strokes requiring EVT. A small minority of AF patients have contraindications to AC, so adequate anticoagulation can prevent a remarkable number of strokes requiring EVT.
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Benjamin EJ, Thomas KL, Go AS, Desvigne-Nickens P, Albert CM, Alonso A, Chamberlain AM, Essien UR, Hernandez I, Hills MT, Kershaw KN, Levy PD, Magnani JW, Matlock DD, O'Brien EC, Rodriguez CJ, Russo AM, Soliman EZ, Cooper LS, Al-Khatib SM. Transforming Atrial Fibrillation Research to Integrate Social Determinants of Health: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop Report. JAMA Cardiol 2023; 8:182-191. [PMID: 36478155 PMCID: PMC10993288 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2022.4091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Importance Only modest attention has been paid to the contributions of social determinants of health to atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors, diagnosis, symptoms, management, and outcomes. The diagnosis of AF provides unique challenges exacerbated by the arrhythmia's often paroxysmal nature and individuals' disparate access to health care and technologies that facilitate detection. Social determinants of health affect access to care and management decisions for AF, increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes among individuals who experience systemic disadvantages. Developing effective approaches to address modifiable social determinants of health requires research to eliminate the substantive inequities in health care delivery and outcomes in AF. Observations The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened an expert panel to identify major knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the field of social determinants of AF. The workshop addressed the following social determinants: (1) socioeconomic status and access to care; (2) health literacy; (3) race, ethnicity, and racism; (4) sex and gender; (5) shared decision-making in systemically disadvantaged populations; and (6) place, including rurality, neighborhood, and community. Many individuals with AF have multiple adverse social determinants, which may cluster in the individual and in systemically disadvantaged places (eg, rural locations, urban neighborhoods). Cumulative disadvantages may accumulate over the life course and contribute to inequities in the diagnosis, management, and outcomes in AF. Conclusions and Relevance Workshop participants identified multiple critical research questions and approaches to catalyze social determinants of health research that address the distinctive aspects of AF. The long-term aspiration of this work is to eradicate the substantive inequities in AF diagnosis, management, and outcomes across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelia J Benjamin
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin L Thomas
- Division of Cardiology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alan S Go
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Patrice Desvigne-Nickens
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christine M Albert
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alvaro Alonso
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alanna M Chamberlain
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Utibe R Essien
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Inmaculada Hernandez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Kiarri N Kershaw
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Phillip D Levy
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrated Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jared W Magnani
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Division of Geriatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Denver
| | - Emily C O'Brien
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Carlos J Rodriguez
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Andrea M Russo
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Elsayed Z Soliman
- Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Lawton S Cooper
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sana M Al-Khatib
- Division of Cardiology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Ko D, Lin KJ, Bessette LG, Lee SB, Walkey AJ, Cheng S, Kim E, Glynn RJ, Kim DH. Trends in Use of Oral Anticoagulants in Older Adults With Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation, 2010-2020. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2242964. [PMID: 36399339 PMCID: PMC9675002 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.42964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Undertreatment of older adults with atrial fibrillation with anticoagulation therapy is an important practice gap. It has been posited that the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) would improve oral anticoagulant (OAC) initiation in older adults with atrial fibrillation given their superior safety profile compared with warfarin. OBJECTIVES To systematically examine trends in OAC initiation and nonadherence in older adults with atrial fibrillation and coexisting geriatric conditions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study uses administrative claims data from Optum's Clinformatics Data Mart from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. Participants included beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage plans aged 65 years and older with atrial fibrillation and elevated risk of ischemic stroke. Data analysis was performed from October 2021 to October 2022. EXPOSURES Coexisting dementia, frailty, and anemia. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were OAC initiation within 12 months after the first diagnosis of atrial fibrillation per year and nonadherence with OAC per year (defined as <80% of proportion of days covered among patients newly started on OAC in each year). RESULTS There were 21 603 to 51 236 patients per year (total for 2010-2020, 381 488 patients) in the OAC-eligible incident AF cohort (mean [SD] age, 77.2 [6.1] to 77.4 [6.8] years; 13 871 [51.8%] to 22 901 [49.8%] women). OAC initiation within 12 months after incident AF increased from 20.2% (5405 of 26 782 patients) in 2010 to 32.9% (7111 of 21 603 patients) in 2020. DOAC uptake increased from 1.1% (291 of 26 782 patients) to 30.9% (6678 of 21 603 patients), and warfarin initiation decreased from 19.1% (5114 of 26 782 patients) to 2.0% (436 of 21 603 patients). Older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.98), dementia (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.55-0.58), frailty (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.72-0.76), and anemia (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.74-0.77) were associated with lower odds of OAC initiation. During the study period, the median (IQR) proportion of days covered increased from 77.6% (41.0%-96.4%) to 90.2% (57.4%-98.6%), and OAC nonadherence decreased from 52.2% (2290 of 4389 patients) to 39.0% (3434 of 8798 patients). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Since the introduction of DOACs, OAC initiation in older adults with has improved but remained suboptimal in 2020. Additional strategies are needed to improve stroke prophylaxis in all older adults with atrial fibrillation including those with coexisting dementia, frailty, and anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darae Ko
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kueiyu Joshua Lin
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lily G. Bessette
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Su Been Lee
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allan J. Walkey
- The Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erin Kim
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert J. Glynn
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dae Hyun Kim
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, Massachusetts
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Teppo K, Jaakkola J, Langén VL, Biancari F, Halminen O, Linna M, Haukka J, Putaala J, Mustonen P, Kinnunen J, Luojus A, Hartikainen J, Airaksinen KEJ, Lehto M. Rural-urban differences in the initiation of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with incident atrial fibrillation: A Finnish nationwide cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276612. [PMID: 36315505 PMCID: PMC9621410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Little is known about rural-urban differences in the treatment and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess whether the initiation of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy in patients with AF differs between those with rural and urban residence. METHODS The registry-based FinACAF cohort covers all patients with AF from all levels of care in Finland. Patients were divided into rural and urban categories and into urbanization degree tertiles based on their municipality of residence at the time of AF diagnosis. The outcome was the first redeemed OAC prescription. RESULTS We identified 222 419 patients (50.1% female; mean age 72.8 (SD 13.2) years) with incident AF during 2007-2018. Urban residence was associated with a lower rate of OAC therapy initiation (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) (95% CI) 0.96 (0.95-0.97)). Correspondingly, an inverse graded dose-response relationship was observed between higher urbanization degree tertile and OAC initiation rate (highest tertile compared to lowest: adjusted SHR (95% CI) 0.94 (0.93-0.95)). The adoption of direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention was faster among patients with urban residence. CONCLUSION This nationwide cohort study documented that urban residence is associated with a slightly lower rate of OAC therapy initiation in patients with incident AF, but faster adoption of direct oral anticoagulant use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jussi Jaakkola
- University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Heart Unit, Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori, Finland
| | - Ville L. Langén
- Division of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Fausto Biancari
- Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinica Montevergine, GVM Care & Research, Mercogliano, Italy
| | - Olli Halminen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Aalto University, Espoo Finland
| | - Miika Linna
- Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
- University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Haukka
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Putaala
- Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Janne Kinnunen
- Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alex Luojus
- Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Hartikainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Mika Lehto
- Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lohja Hospital, Lohja, Finland
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A Novel Orderset Driven Emergency Department Atrial Fibrillation Algorithm to Increase Discharge and Risk-appropriate Anticoagulation. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2022; 21:130-134. [PMID: 35994721 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently admitted from the emergency department (ED), and when discharged, are not reliably prescribed indicated anticoagulation. We report the impact of a novel computerized ED AF pathway orderset on discharge rate and risk-appropriate anticoagulation in patients with primary AF. METHODS The orderset included options for rate and rhythm control of primary AF, structured risk assessment for thrombotic complications, recommendations for anticoagulation as appropriate, and follow up with an electrophysiologist. All patients discharged from the ED in whom the AF orderset was utilized over an 18-month period comprised the primary study population. The primary outcome was the rate of appropriate anticoagulation or not according to confirmed CHADS-VASC and HASBLED scores. Additionally, the percentage of primary AF patients discharged directly from the ED was compared in the 18-month periods before and after introduction of the orderset. RESULTS A total of 56 patients, average age 57.8 years and average initial heart rate 126 beats/minute, were included in the primary analysis. All 56 (100%; 95% confidence interval, 94-100) received guideline-concordant anticoagulation. The discharge rates in the pre- and postorderset implementation periods were 29% and 41%, respectively (95% confidence interval for 12% difference, 5-18). CONCLUSIONS Our novel AF pathway orderset was associated with 100% guideline-concordant anticoagulation in patients discharged from the ED. Availability of the orderset was associated with a significant increase in the proportion of ED AF patients discharged.
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