Atrial Fibrillation and Arrhythmia

The American College of Cardiology Foundation, American Heart Association and Heart Rhythm Society (ACCF/AHA/HRS) collaborative task force recommends that AF be managed through three non-mutually exclusive methods: rate control, prevention of thromboembolism and correction of abnormal rhythm disturbance.

SHM offers an atrial fibrillation implementation guide to promote evidence-based management of AF-associated stroke risk during hospitalization and post-discharge care transitions. It can help you and your health system improve care for AF patients through inpatient quality improvement (QI) initiatives, including:

• Recognition of AF and workup of new diagnoses
• Management of patients with known AF
• Rate versus rhythm-control strategies
• Recognition of the need for cardiology consultation
• Assessment of stroke risk
• Use of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention when indicated
• Facilitation of handoffs from inpatient to outpatient care providers
• Patient education
• Tracking of AF outcomes

Additional resources compiled from other societies and organizations on Afib can be found within the Implementation Guide on pages 58-59.

Questions on the Afib Guide? Contact SHM.