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Pharmacy-based screening for atrial fibrillation in high-risk Māori and Pacific populations

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 52
Authors:
  • Walker N et al.
Summary:

Outcomes are reported from a study undertaken in late 2013/early 2014 to determine the feasibility of using the AliveCor® iPhone heart monitor to screen for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) in a high-risk primary care population, using a community pharmacist in Auckland as the first point of contact for screening. The study recruited 121 Māori and Pacific people aged ≥55 years who visited the All Seasons Pharmacy in Te Atatu, Auckland. Twenty participants were found to have AF upon screening (7 Māori and 13 Pacific people). Two people screened had a new diagnosis of AF and 2 known AF cases appeared not to be receiving warfarin. The heart monitor was considered easy to use by both pharmacists and participants, and participating GPs gave overwhelmingly positive feedback on the study. A larger NZ study is planned to verify these results.

Comment:
Although this paper focusses more on the feasibility of implementing a screening programme (for a significant health issue for Māori), I’ve included it here to let readers know that it will soon be fully tested and, pending those results, perhaps made more widely available.
Reference: N Z Med J 2014;127(1398):128-31
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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