Screening strategies for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis

Welton N J, McAleenan A, Thom H H, Davies P, Hollingworth W, Higgins J P, Okoli G, Sterne J A, Feder G, Eaton D, Hingorani A, Fawsitt C, Lobban T, Bryden P, Richards A & Sofat R.
Record ID 32015000762
English
Authors' objectives: To conduct a systematic review of the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of screening tests for AF, update a systematic review of comparative studies evaluating screening strategies for AF, develop an economic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies and review observational studies of AF screening to provide inputs to the model.
Authors' recommendations: A national screening programme for AF is likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources. Systematic opportunistic screening is more likely to be cost-effective than systematic population screening. Nurse pulse palpation or modified blood pressure monitors would be appropriate screening tests, with confirmation by diagnostic 12-lead electrocardiography interpreted by a trained GP, with referral to a specialist in the case of an unclear diagnosis. Implementation strategies to operationalise uptake of systematic opportunistic screening in primary care should accompany any screening recommendations.
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/projects/hta/1414101
Year Published: 2017
URL for published report: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta21290/#/abstract
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
  • Electrocardiography
  • Mass Screening
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
Contact
Organisation Name: NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme
Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK
Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Copyright: Queen's Printer and Controller of HMSO
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.