GIRFT has added further guidance to its series supporting the streamlining of preoperative processes to maximise theatre efficiency, with a new resource focusing on the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) at preoperative assessment (POA).
The new guidance offers a practical approach to help POA teams – medical and non-medical – with decision-making and the use of appropriately targeted testing for three groups of patients in which AF may present:
- those with known and controlled AF;
- those with known and uncontrolled AF;
- those with newly diagnosed AF (controlled or uncontrolled).
The guidance offers core principles for each group, lists important practices to align with, and details example clinical scenarios by way of illustration.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cause of irregular heartbeat, affecting an estimated 2-4% of adults. Patients with either pre-existing or newly diagnosed AF who need surgery are at increased risk of complications and adverse outcomes, including stroke and heart failure.
Through its preoperative assessment (POA) non-medical network and on-site reviews, GIRFT has identified unwarranted variation and challenges in preoperative screening and diagnostic pathways, including the pathway for atrial fibrillation at POA. Such variations can lead to postponements and on-the-day cancellations, which delay planned surgery.
This new guide on management of AF is part of a wider GIRFT series designed to support providers to streamline their preoperative screening and diagnostic pathways. The aim is to ensure testing is appropriately targeted, in accordance with current guidance and evidence, to help prevent unnecessary postponements and avoid cancellations. This, in turn, will improve patient flow and surgical outcomes.
Other guidance in the series includes:
