Atrial Fibrillation Update in Primary Care

• Purpose of the AF update session
• Current priorities for AF care in Primary Care

• Brief refresher on AF types (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent)
• AF burden and impact on stroke, heart failure, and mortality
• Current challenges in AF detection and management

• ECG recognition of AF and common pitfalls in Primary Care interpretation
• Role of opportunistic and systematic pulse checks
• Monitoring AF symptoms and heart rate
• Understanding referral thresholds and shared-care responsibilities

• CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring: updates and practical application
• Assessing bleeding risk and medicines safety
• Anticoagulation options: DOACs and warfarin (Primary Care role)
• Supporting adherence and monitoring

• Rate control strategies and treatment targets
• Awareness of rhythm control approaches and cardiology-led interventions
• When to escalate for specialist review
• Managing AF in the context of co-morbidities

• AF with rapid ventricular response
• Red flags requiring urgent assessment
• AF and heart failure, syncope, or stroke/TIA symptoms
• Safety-netting and escalation pathways

• What a high-quality AF review looks like
• Lifestyle advice and cardiovascular risk reduction
• Supporting patient understanding and shared decision-making
• Signposting to appropriate resources

• Applying updated guidance to Primary Care AF scenarios
• Shared discussion across roles
• Opportunity for questions and reflection

All courses are developed and delivered by experienced healthcare professionals with current or recent clinical experience in Primary Care and long-term condition management. Trainers are appropriately qualified and maintain up-to-date knowledge in line with national guidance. Course content and curriculum are subject to regular review to ensure they remain evidence based, aligned to national standards, and reflective of current best practice at the time of delivery.