2,697 publications from this institution
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Much focus has been directed towards AF prevention, given the morbidity, mortality, and financial cost to health care systems associated with this arrhythmia. There are a number of common conditions associated with the onset of AF, but not only limited to hypertension, diabetes, or smoking. As we understand the factors associated with incident AF, public health campaigns and targeted patient interventions are warranted to promote blood pressure control, glycemic control in patients with diabetes, smoking cessation to prevent AF, and associated comorbidity. In this narrative review, we consider some of the evidence linking these risk factors with AF. We additionally examine the role of risk factor modification in reducing AF burden. In Part 1 we address the evidence for hypertension, diabetes, and smoking as risk factors for incident AF.
Clinical audit is a method to assess the quality of healthcare services based on whether standards are met or not met. This approach is limited because it fails to recognize how decisions that take place over time and the natural progression of disease has an impact on what happens to patients and the care they receive. The aim of this paper is to introduce the concept of care pathway and explain how care pathways can be audited to better understand care. The care pathway is defined by clinically relevant events that take place within one or more healthcare institutions. The process begins with defining an ideal care pathway which is created by considering local expertise and guidelines. It is then possible to audit against the extent to which this ideal care pathway is achieved. This care pathway audit can enable identification of patterns in real-world care which can help with the of design interventions to help shift patients from the less to more desirable pathways. We conclude that through the process of the care pathway audit cycle, it is possible to learn about real-world activities, better utilize resources, promote safer care, improve quality of care, and help develop more effective interventions.
