Impact of atrial fibrillation awareness campaigns: interrupted time series using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink

Aim: This study investigated whether the rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) consultations changed following AF awareness campaigns in England. Materials & methods: Among adults in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Poisson regression was used to model weekly rates of AF-related consultations over time. The models were used to assess whether rates changed in the 8 weeks following World Heart Rhythm Week (WHRW) and Global AF aware week. Results: A higher incidence of pulse checks was observed following WHRW (IRR 1.16 [95% CI 1.08–1.24]). No difference in the incidence of AF diagnoses was noted following WHRW (IRR: 1.03 [95% CI: 0.97–1.09]) or Global AF aware week (IRR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.88–1.00]). Conclusion: The results suggest AF campaigns may increase awareness but do not bring about short-term increases in the rates of AF diagnoses.