Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Is the implementation of a Patient Decision Aid (PDA) in primary care for patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) when making decisions about anticoagulant therapy for stroke risk reduction feasible and acceptable to patients and GPs?
IRAS ID
185705
Contact name
Caroline Michell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition that results in the heart beating irregularly and often faster than normal. The irregular flow of blood through the heart this increases the likelihood of blood clotting, and a clot travelling to the brain causing a stroke. The actual risk of stroke in AF depends on many factors such as age, high blood pressure and diabetes. Strokes caused by AF are more disabling; more people die from them or become dependent on others for care than other types of stroke.
We have treatments, such as warfarin, that thin the blood and reduce the risk of strokes but they also increase the risks of bleeding and require regular visits to the hospital or GP surgery for blood tests.. Newer drugs are becoming available that are at least as effective as warfarin in reducing the risk of stroke whilst being no more likely to cause bleeding, or require regular blood tests.
To reduce the risk of stroke caused by AF it is important that patientsare informed of the risks and benefits of available treatments and are able to make an informed choice.
Decision Aids are designed to provide information to increase knowledge and to help patients when making difficult decisions about treatment for their condition. They can be personalized for each individual patient’s risk of stroke and bleeding with the available therapies.
We have developed a paper-based Decision Aid for patients with AF who are considering blood thinning therapy to reduce the risk of stroke. It includes current evidence relating to stroke in AF and will encourage patients to think how they like to make decisions, what is important to them and whether they need any further support before making their decision about treatment with their doctor.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0208
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion