Atrial fibrillation (AF) - information for professionals

AF Way Project (January 2024 - Present)

Through a grant from Daiichi Sankyo, the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber have partnered together to deliver a West Yorkshire Atrial Fibrillation (AF) project called AF Way.

This project aims to improve the detection, protection and perfection of the treatment for those who could benefit from life-saving direct oral anti-coagulation (DOAC) treatment. We want everyone to have greater control of their health and their wellbeing, and to be supported to live longer, healthier lives by high quality health and care services that are compassionate, inclusive and constantly improving.

The project team includes Consultant Pharmacists in Anticoagulation and Thrombosis, Principal Pharmacy Technician, CVD prevention Clinical Lead, CVD Prevention Programme Manager and Project Manager. This page contains details on the project services, including:

• Integrated Virtual AF Service
• Resources for professionals
• Learning and Education - FREE
• Virtual live and recorded webinars
• In person learning events
• DOAC tool and user vidoes
• PrescQIPP Anticoagulation and Lipid Modification e-learning 

What are the project objectives?

• Achieve the target of having 95% of the anticipated number of people with atrial fibrillation diagnosed by 2029
• Attain the target that 95% of patients with AF at high risk of stroke (CHA2Ds2VASc ≥2) are adequately anticoagulated by 2029. 
• Understand existing detection pathways for patients and establish new pathways if there are gaps.
• Reduced risk of bleeding through improved dosing of anticoagulation. 
• Provide learning, education, tools, resources and support for healthcare professionals to enable greater detection rates and promote long-term sustainable changes. 
• Provide access to a competent practitioner close to home to understand their anticoagulation needs.
• Improve communication between care providers. 
• Support the patient to have a shared decision-making conversation with the professionals involved in their care to choose the medication and/or management options best suited to their needs along with education focused on reducing risk factors.  

What stakeholder engagement has taken place during this project, specifically in primary care?

Stakeholders for the project include the following professionals across all places:

• CVD place and clinical leads
• Medicines optimisation teams
• Improving Population Health Programme
• Public Health and wellbeing leads
• CVD colleagues within NHSE
• PCN staff and Practice Managers

Engagement with all of the above stakeholders is increasing as the project progresses. Project oversight and governance is reported through the West Yorskhire Improving Population Health governance structure.​​