June 2019, Clinical Pharmacy Congress (CPCongress) announced Medway School of Pharmacy PDAF team winners of the General Practice Award for their outstanding contribution in Clinical Pharmacy.
The study aims to determine whether clinical pharmacists were able to accurately and effectively screen patients for Atrial Fibrillation, using pulse palpation and a single-lead ECG device (AliveCor Kardia Mobile®) in either general practices or care homes during the influenza vaccination season. The outcome of the study does encourage policymakers and commissioners to consider practice-based clinical pharmacists as preferred healthcare professionals to deliver AF screening in primary care.
PDAF research findings were featured on BBC South East, BBC Radio Kent and KMTV. The study also received an AF Association Healthcare Pioneers Award 2019, and was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2018.
Congratulations to the following researchers: Dr Vanessa Short (University of Kent), Dr Adrian Stewart (Medway, NHS) , Sarah Leaver (KCHT), Dr Melanie Rees-Roberts (University of Kent), Dr Sarah Corlett, Professor Alistair Mathie, Dr Sukvinder Bhamra, Vilius Savickas and Dr Emma Veale.
About the project:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects up to 10% of over 65-year-olds. This feasibility study showcased the advanced role of practice-based pharmacists who used pulse palpation or a novel digital single-lead ECG device to screen patients for AF in primary care during the influenza vaccination season. 657 participants were screened in 4 practices and 4 care homes leading to 33 possible AF cases and 29 new cardiovascular diagnoses, whilst alleviating the pressure on GPs and the NHS.
Acknowledgement:
This research was supported by the Encompass Vanguard, Medway Maritime Hospital, Kent Community Health Trust, Centre for Health Services Studies and the University of Kent, UK.