54 south neuroscience unit - Detecting AF in the fight against stroke.

Abstract

Background: Approximately 460,000 Australians have atrial fibrillation (AF). Its estimated that 30% with AF don't know they have the condition Its estimated that more than 14,000 Australians will have a stroke caused by AF this year. Sadly, stroke caused by AF is linked to poorer outcomes including: an increased rate of medical and neurological complications as well as a higher mortality rate. Aim(s): To detect new AF on the ward. Thus, enabling planning and implementation of anti coagulation and patient education to prevent stroke/ further stroke. Method(s): Emergency department notes were checked ensuring no history of AF and ECG sinus rhythm on admission. Once on the ward these patients would have daily ECG's until AF was detected or the patient was discharged. All nurses on the ward are educated not to use machines to obtain pulse rate manually and if any irregularity detected then perform ECG even if daily ECG had been done. Result(s): From January 2016 to date, 19 new cases of undiagnosed AF have been diagnosed through daily ECGs performed on the ward.