Healthcare Program: Atrial Fibrillation

ACP, in collaboration with the Heart Rhythm Society, has launched the ACP Advance: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) healthcare program (formerly ACP Quality Connect), which provides participants with the skills to lead practice transformation and QI efforts, resulting in real and meaningful change in AF management and stroke prevention.

The healthcare program takes a collaborative, team-based approach to implement practice transformation and QI strategies that improve care of patients with AF and help prevent stroke. The skills gained through participation can be applied to a number of other clinical conditions and quality challenges. The program offers specialized training in:

• QI and practice transformation methodology
• Identifying and understanding stroke risk in the AF patient
• Engagement of patients in understanding the risks and benefits of anticoagulants
• Developing a treatment plan together with patients to reduce stroke risk
• Assisting patients in managing their own treatment and health
• Integrating use of ACP’s patient tools in practice and treatment workflow

Educational Opportunities

On-Demand Webinars

The 5 W’s + H of AF Stroke Prevention: Who is at risk, What are the symptoms, Where can AF and stroke occur, When can it occur, Why should I learn more, and How is AF Stroke Prevented

Presented by: Alpesh Amin, MD, MACP, Professor & Chair of Department of Medicine, Executive Director, Hospitalist Program, Governor, ACP Southern California Region II, Past President California-ACP

Play Recording

Atrial Fibrillation: Using Quality Improvement to analyze and transform care and management of atrial fibrillation patients

Presented by: Jennie Hsu-Lumetta, MD, FACP, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL, ACP Southern IL Governor Council member, Corinne Kohler, MD, FAAFP, Frances Nelson Health Center, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL, Narain Mandhan, MD, FACP, FAASM, Kirby Medical Group, Monticello, IL, Karen Wiarda, DO, Carle Heart and Vascular Institute, Mattoon, IL

Watch Webinar

Afib Self-Management: Discussing Anti-coagulation Options with the Patient/ Using Decision Support Tools to Help Guide Care Plan and Treatment

Presented by: Andrew Dunn, MD, MACP, Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System, Chair, ACP Board of Regents

Watch Webinar

Risk Assessment and Care Coordination for Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Faculty: Bradley P. Knight, MD, FACC, FHRS, Medical Director, Center  for Heart Rhythm Disorders, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Northwestern Memorial Hospital Cooley Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University,  Feinberg School of Medicine.

During this one-hour webinar, participants will learn to identify risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as  how to identify anticoagulants used for stroke prevention. The webinar will also include a discussion of when to refer to a specialist, and how primary care physicians and specialists can better communicate and  collaborate on their patients with Afib. Support for this webinar is provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Play Recording

ACP Practice Advisor® Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Module

A brand new  Atrial Fibrillation module has been added to  ACP Practice Advisor®. This module, Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation, addresses three primary strategies for reducing stroke: (1) diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), (2) AF anticoagulation therapy, and (3) referral of complex AF patients for consultation with a cardiologist or electrophysiologist when it is clear that desired patient outcomes are not being met with prescribed therapy. Users of this the Atrial Fibrillation module will be eligible for CME and MOC credit. At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Recognize atrial fibrillation in patients not yet diagnosed with the disorder, including those with comorbidities such as sleep apnea and thyroid disorders
• Apply the CHADS₂; CHA₂DS₂-VASC; and HAS-BLED risk scoring systems to determine appropriate anticoagulation therapy based upon individual risk of stroke and bleeding
• Effectively communicate with patients regarding the pros and cons of different anticoagulation strategies; the risk of stroke and bleeding; and the importance of lifelong adherence to the prescribed therapy
• Refer appropriate patients to a cardiologist or electrophysiologist for consultation as soon as it is clear that desired patient outcomes for rate or rhythm control, symptom relief or stroke risk reduction are not being met with prescribed therapy.

For further information on how to access this module, please contact mduchin@acponline.org.

Patient Education Materials

Visit the Patient Education Center for Patient FACTs, Guides and Health Tips on Atrial Fibrillation.

Patient Education Center

Support for ACP’s Atrial Fibrillation initiative is provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb.