Identification of patients with atrial fibrillation in UK community pharmacy: an evaluation of a new service

Twigg, Michael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0910-3850, Thornley, Tracey and Scobie, Neil (2016) Identification of patients with atrial fibrillation in UK community pharmacy: an evaluation of a new service. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 38 (4). pp. 784-787. ISSN 2210-7703

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Abstract

Background: Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are asymptomatic and diagnosed via opportunistic screening. Community pharmacy has been advocated as a potential resource for opportunistic screening and lifestyle interventions.  Objective: The objective of this evaluation is to describe the outcomes from an AF service, in terms of referrals and interventions provided to patients identified as not at risk.  Method: Eligibility was assessed from pharmacy records and the completion of a short questionnaire. Once consented, patients were screened for AF and their blood pressure was measured.  Results: Of 594 patients screened, nine were identified as at risk of having AF and were referred to their GP. The service also identified 109 patients with undiagnosed hypertension, 176 patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30, 131 with an Audit-C score > 5 and 59 smokers. Pharmacists provided 413 interventions in 326 patients aimed at weight reduction (239), alcohol consumption (123) and smoking cessation (51).  Conclusion: This evaluation characterises the interventions provided to, not only those identified with the target condition - in this case AF - but also those without it. The true outcome of these additional interventions, along with appropriate follow-up, should be the focus of future studies.Impact of findings on patients or practice •Patients are willing to be screened for AF through community pharmacies•Screening can provide opportunities to identify other healthcare problems such a hypertension or poor lifestyle •Community pharmacists are able to provide brief advice to patients as a result of this opportunistic screening

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	atrial fibrillation,community pharmacy,pharmacy services,risk assessment,united kingdom
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Pharmacy
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Medicines Management (former - to 2017) Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Patient Care
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	20 Apr 2016 12:00
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2022 01:02
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/58314
DOI:	10.1007/s11096-016-0303-8

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