The 2016 EU Healthcare Pioneers Report captures the best practice principles and case studies to show ways to improve detection (screening and diagnosis), protection (to prevent an AF-related stroke through anticoagulation therapy, with left atrial appendage closure an alternative for some patients who cannot be managed long term with anticoagulation therapy) and correction (treatment of the irregular heart rhythm).
The national roll out of mobile ECG devices by Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) was born out of a system-wide procurement initiative to promote the uptake of a digital technology (mobile ECG). This was a novel approach to facilitate innovation adoption which prompted the AHSN Network to commission an independent evaluation of the roll out, at AHSN level, to understand its effectiveness, and in particular what can be learned about: the environments in which the devices are most effective, what characterises an effective implementation package, the impact on the market place, patients (through AF detection) and providers; and the health economic aspects of this type of programme.