Pharmacists detecting atrial fibrillation (PDAF) in primary care during the influenza vaccination season: a multi-site, cross sectional feasibility pilot study

Reducing AF-related stroke risk is both clinically and economically important, with AF-related illness costing the NHS over £2 billion per annum. Despite this, there is no national screening programme for AF. Growing medical consensus backed by public health policy, agrees that there is an unmet need to improve diagnosis and that primary care is an appropriate setting. This model is likely to be convenient for patients and cost effective, but with the current shortage of GPs and nurses, and increasing GP workloads, it is unlikely to succeed. Huge investment by NHS England to introduce new work role models to GP practices, could mean, by 2021, that over 34 million patients will have access to the expertise of a clinical pharmacist, making clinical pharmacists a viable option for such screening initiatives. AIM: To determine whether clinical pharmacists based within GP practices, were able to accurately and effectively screen and diagnose patients for AF, using pulse palpation and a single-lead ECG device (AliveCor Kardia Mobile®) during the influenza vaccination season.