Improving inpatient rates of oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (IMPROVE-AF)
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias that occur in hospital with an estimated prevalence of 5-10% based on published studies. AF and its related arrhythmia, atrial flutter (AFL) are important causes of stroke, and can be prevented with the use of anticoagulant medications.
Guidelines recommend oral anticoagulants (OAC) for nearly all persons with AF/AFL over the age of 65, or for those who have at least one validated stroke risk factor including prior stroke, hypertension, heart failure, or diabetes mellitus. A recent study of 3,556 patients admitted to all St. Michael’s Hospital units between 2010 and 2014 found only 49% patients with AF were given anticoagulation at discharge.
This project will explore the feasibility and initial performance of an algorithm for the detection of inpatients with atrial fibrillation or flutter who are candidates for oral anticoagulation. The intent is to implement this tool into clinical practice to ensure eligible patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter get the treatment they need.
