An Emergency Department Protocol for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
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Authors
Sanderson, Shauna
Issue Date
2020-05-16
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Abstract
Objective: The objective of this evidence- based project (EBP) was to determine if an implemented AF protocol in the ED reduced hospital admissions.|Background: Currently, there is no universally recognized approach or guideline for the management of AF in the ED setting. There is considerable controversy between two competing strategies – medical management versus cardioversion – which has resulted in a non-standardized approach to management.|Methods: Disposition of patients with AF (n=121) at an ED in a Midwestern hospital were compared after implementation of an ED-based AF protocol utilizing a non-experimental, retrospective, cohort approach.|Results: The percentage of patients that discharged from the ED in the pre-protocol and post-protocol group were 2.1% (n=1) and 39.7% (n=29) respectively. Approximately 98% of patients in the pre-protocol group were admitted in comparison to 60.3% in the post protocol group.|Conclusion: Hospitalizations were reduced after implementation of the AF protocol in the ED; however, further evaluation is needed. An inability to evaluate clinical significance of the data suggests a need for increased attention to and re-evaluation of the AF protocol and subsequent outcomes.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University