There are different types of heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia). Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common. Around 1.4 million people in the UK have AF. It causes your heart to beat irregularly and often too fast. AF is not life-threatening, but it can result in blood clots forming in the heart, which may increase the risk of stroke. If you have AF, it makes you five times more likely to have a stroke. To find out more, visit British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association.
We have contributed to various AF focused projects, both nationally and locally. This work led to the development of several valuable resources, including the adoption and spread of the “Detect, Protect and Perfect” model. Through this, we:
- provided training and quality improvement support to GPs and the wider general practice team
- introduced technology to patients, healthcare professionals and volunteers
- established more than 25 new partnerships to support this work programme.
Further resources
Stroke Association.
Happy Hearts.
Previous programmes
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Toolkit
We worked with the Health Innovation Network (previously called the AHSN Network) to produce the AF Toolkit, to provide methodologies, resources and support for commissioners and clinicians working to reduce AF related strokes. The AF toolkit was produced in 2020 and does not reflect advances and evidence published since that point.
AF Ambassador in the Community
The AF Ambassador role was created by Health Innovation North West Coast (then called the Innovation Agency) in partnership with the Stroke Association to prevent strokes – saving lives and avoiding life-changing disabilities. Using portable ECG devices to identify people who may have atrial fibrillation (AF), volunteers were recruited to help spot friends, colleagues and relatives at particular risk. The AF Ambassadors in the Community project was named Provider Collaboration of the Year in the Health Service Journal.
Collaborative project with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
Work by Health Innovation North West Coast (then called the Innovation Agency) and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service focussed on finding new and innovative ways for healthcare professionals to improve care and quality of life for people with or at risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021).