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Greater Manchester, National
Atrial Fibrillation
Closed Project
Please note – this is no longer an active Health Innovation Manchester project
Atrial Fibrillation was a national AHSN Network adoption and spread programme during 2018-2020. All AHSNs, including Health Innovation Manchester, delivered this programme in their region between April 2018- March 2020.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. In Greater Manchester, Atrial Fibrillation detection and treatment is one of the areas we are working to improve.
In England a large number of individuals are unaware they have AF, and some people with known AF do not receive optimal treatment, resulting in avoidable strokes. AF-related strokes represent a significant burden to patients, carers, the NHS and social care.
The AHSNs collectively identified that the spread and adoption of AF best practice across the AHSN Network could make a stepped improvement in care outcomes, leading to a reduction in AF-related strokes across England. Health Innovation Manchester worked to improve detection and treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire.
Spanning the AF clinical pathway, the national programme utilised shared experience and intelligence to ‘detect, protect and perfect’.
Rapidly increasing the detection of AF through the use of manual pulse checks or mobile ECG devices. Early detection of AF allows the initiation of protective anticoagulation therapy.
HInM distributed mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) units to GP practices, pharmacies and other community settings across Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire. This technology detects irregular heart rhythms quickly and easily, enabling NHS staff to refer patients for the appropriate follow-up and treatment.
Increasing anticoagulant therapy, in those diagnosed with AF and who are clinically indicated, to reduce the risk of stroke.
Optimising anticoagulation therapy in people newly diagnosed and those with existing AF.
Case Studies
Patient Story: Wendy Westoby
Raising awareness of AF
Collaborative working with the Fire Service
Heart checks included in Safe and Well visits in Cheshire
Impact of the programme
Preventing 1,033 strokes and saving 258 lives in Greater Manchester
