Open AccessFeasibility and acceptability of opportunistic screening to detect atrial fibrillation in Aboriginal adults
Author(s) -
Macniven Rona,
Gwynn Josephine,
Fujimoto Hiroko,
Hamilton Sandy,
Thompson Sandra C.,
Taylor Kerry,
Lawrence Monica,
Finlayson Heather,
Bolton Graham,
Dulvari Norman,
Wright Daryl C.,
Rambaldini Boe,
Freedman Ben,
Gwynne Kylie
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.12905
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , atrial fibrillation , phone , qualitative research , qualitative property , stroke (engine) , family medicine , medical emergency , nursing , cardiology , mechanical engineering , social science , linguistics , philosophy , machine learning , sociology , computer science , engineering
Objective : Examine the feasibility and acceptability of an electrocardiogram (ECG) attached to a mobile phone (iECG) screening device for atrial fibrillation (AF) in Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services (ACCHS) and other community settings. Methods : Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ACCHS staff in urban, rural and remote communities in three Australian states/territories. Quantitative and qualitative questions identified the enabling factors and barriers for staff and Aboriginal patients' receptiveness to the device. Mean quantitative scores and their standard deviation were calculated in Microsoft Excel and qualitative questions were thematically analysed. Results : Eighteen interviews were conducted with 23 staff across 11 ACCHS. Quantitative data found staff were confident in providing iECG screening and managing the referral pathway, and thought the process was beneficial for patients. Qualitative data highlighted the usefulness of the device to undertake opportunistic screening and acceptability in routine practice, and provided opportunities to engage patients in education around AF. Conclusion : The iECG device was well accepted within ACCHSs and was feasible to use to screen for AF among Aboriginal patients. Implications for public health : The device can be used in clinical and community settings to screen Aboriginal people for atrial fibrillation to help reduce rates of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.