Screening of Atrial Fibrillation in Dental Practices: a qualitative feasibility study

Introduction:

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal, rapid, and irregular cardiac arrhythmia.¹ AF is associated with a five-fold increase in stroke risk, but anticoagulation given to eligible patients can reduce this risk by 65%.² Dental practices are increasingly seen as an appropriate healthcare environment in which to undertake healthcare prevention.

This qualitative study aimed to explore perceptions of and barriers faced by dental staff in screening for Atrial Fibrillation using a hand-held electronic device in a primary dental care setting.

Methods:

Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from a large mixed NHS (National Health Service) and private dental practice. Interviews were semi-structured, face-to-face, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim amongst dental professionals within the practice. Interviews continued until no new themes or patterns emerged from the data and thematic saturation had been achieved.

Results:

Eleven participants were interviewed. Overall, the responses were positive. Four out of seven clinicians expressed concerns about time and remuneration. They felt screening would be well received but could heighten anxiety among patients. Seven out of eleven participants stressed their preference to refer the patients to their GP (General Practitioner) for confirmation after the initial screening. Encouraging feedback regarding the simplicity of the portable screening device was given. Participants also proposed models of screening, such as using private screening booths.

Conclusions:

Overall, the AF screening was deemed to be a good concept amongst participants, but concerns were expressed about time, remuneration, and heightening anxiety among patients. A need for further research is indicated whilst evaluating the role of dental care professionals.