In progress
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and contributes to significant burden upon Victorians as the leading cause of stroke and a frequent cause of hospital admission. With appropriate prescription of blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) the incidence of stroke can be dramatically reduced.
A recent study showed that only one in three Victorians admitted with atrial fibrillation received anticoagulation one-month post hospitalisation, and 16.3 per cent and 45 per cent were readmitted to hospital within 30 days and one year respectively.
This pilot project aims to improve access to timely evidenced-based atrial fibrillation care through the establishment of five rapid access atrial fibrillation clinics in regional health services.
This project is part of the Care closer to home package, along with:
- Digital cardiac rehab
- Digital ECG and chest pain pathway for urgent care centres
- Stroke support centres
Outcome
To improve the rates of patients who receive evidence-based care for atrial fibrillation and are prescribed appropriate anticoagulation following an initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.