Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34853006›Full record

ArticleBJGP open2022

Experiences with screening for atrial fibrillation: a qualitative study in general practice.

Steven B Uittenbogaart, Stéphanie Je Becker, Maartje Hoogsteyns, Henk Cpm van Weert, Wim Am Lucassen

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BJGP open, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
0.8field-weighted citation impact, top 25% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 7 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Key stakeholder views on atrial fibrillation screening: a systematic mixed-studies review and interpretive analysis.Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology · 2026
    Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Screening and detection of atrial fibrillation in primary care: current practice and future perspectives.European heart journal supplements : journal of the European Society of Cardiology · 2024
    Article
  6. Article
  7. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.

Steven B UittenbogaartAmsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands s.b.uittenbogaart@amsterdamumc.nl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9798-6472
Stéphanie Je BeckerAmsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Maartje HoogsteynsAmsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8694-1490
Henk Cpm van WeertAmsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6370-4724
Wim Am LucassenAmsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Amsterdam University Medical Centers · NL

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGuidelines recommend screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, screening is not considered standard care among GPs.

aimTo explore the experiences of primary care workers with different methods of screening for AF and with implementation in daily practice. DESIGN &

settingA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with GPs, nurses, and healthcare assistants (HCAs) who were experienced with implementing different methods of screening.

methodTwo independent researchers audio-recorded and analysed interviews using a thematic approach. They asked participants about their experiences with the different methods used for screening AF and which obstacles they faced when implementing screening in daily practice.

resultsIn total 15 GPs, nurse practitioners, and HCAs from seven different practices were interviewed. The GP's office is suited for screening for AF, which ideally should be integrated with standard care. Participants considered pulse palpation, automated sphygmomanometer with AF detection, and single-lead electrocardiography (ECG) as practical tests. Participants trusted pulse palpation over the algorithm of the devices. The follow-up of a positive test with a time-consuming 12-lead ECG hindered integration of screening. The single-lead ECG device reduced the need for immediate follow-up because it can record a rhythm strip. The extra workload of screening and lack of financial coverage form obstacles for implementation.

conclusionPulse palpation, automated blood pressure measure monitors with AF detection, and single-lead ECGs might facilitate screening in a general practice setting. When implementing screening, focus should be on how to avoid disruption of consultation hours by unplanned 12-lead ECGs.

Indexed as

atrial fibrillationdiagnostic techniques, cardiovascularelectrocardiographygeneral practicepulsequalitative research

Identifiers

PMID34853006
PMCPMC8958756
OpenAlexW3216488554

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.