Using mobile ECG devices to increase detection of atrial fibrillation across a range of settings in south London.

The NHS Long Term Plan aims to transform how we tackle cardiovascular disease by improving the detection and treatment of high-risk conditions. One in five strokes are linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) and it is estimated that 500,000 people in the UK have undiagnosed AF. To increase detection of AF, in 2017 NHS England commissioned the Academic Health Science Networks to procure 6,000 mobile electrocardiography (ECG) devices, which were distributed to community settings across the county. The Health Innovation Network as the Academic Health Science Network for south London was responsible for the distribution of approximately 400 mobile ECG devices to a range of settings. A total of 14,835 pulse rhythm checks were performed, detecting 597 people with possible AF. This project provides insight into effectiveness of a wide range of settings in providing opportunistic testing for AF using mobile ECG devices.