A multidisciplinary atrial fibrillation clinic.
2013
Background: Reports in the literature indicate that specialty clinics focusing on management of patients with
specific chronic disorders have a significant positive impact on patient outcomes. Atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most
common forms of cardiac arrhythmia, affects millions of patients. Outcome data regarding the impact of managing patients
with AF are limited. We established a specialty clinic focusing on management of patients with AF. The objective
of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of treating AF patients in this clinic.
Methods: A team consisting of electrophysiologists and pharmacists designed a specific plan for managing and educating
patients. This plan consisted of evaluation, implementation of an individualized treatment plan, patient education, medication
management, and follow-up care. We reviewed the outcomes of patients who had clinic visits between November
2011 and March 2012. The primary outcome was the incidence of AF-related hospitalizations and stroke.
Results: Seventy one patients were included in the analysis. Out of 71 patients, we identified 17 (23.9%) patients who
were hospitalized. Two of these 17 hospitalized patients had ischemic stroke events.
Conclusion: When compared to published data in the existing literature, managing AF patients in specialty clinics reduces
the incidence of AF-related hospitalizations and stroke.
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