Objective: The objective of this initiative was to address disparities in screening and care for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) through primary care education focused on implementing equitable screening and management strategies. The aim was to improve learner behavior and practices related to NVAF screening, management, and addressing social drivers of health (SDoH) in patient encounters.
Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts provided comprehensive guidance on integrating current practice guidelines, optimizing team collaboration, and prioritizing patient-centered care in NVAF management. The educational intervention targeted primary care practitioners and focused on enhancing their knowledge and skills in NVAF screening, management, and addressing SDoH. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate changes in learner behavior, practices, knowledge, and competence.
Results: Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in learner behavior and practices related to NVAF screening and management. There was a notable increase in the frequency of screening high-risk patients at every appointment, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in learners reporting never screening high-risk patients. Learners also demonstrated enhanced competence in consistently prescribing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as first-line therapy for NVAF. There was a marked increase in knowledge and competence across aspects of NVAF management, including early diagnosis, DOAC utilization, and addressing SDoH.
Conclusions: The findings of this initiative underscore the transformative potential of educational interventions in primary care settings to advance equitable screening and management strategies for NVAF. By empowering primary care practitioners with the knowledge and tools to address the holistic needs of patients with NVAF, such initiatives have the potential to drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and contribute to the broader goal of health equity. Insights from this initiative can inform the development and implementation of similar educational programs in other healthcare organizations, ultimately improving care delivery and outcomes for patients with NVAF across diverse settings.
Learning Objectives:
Assess the impact of an educational initiative on equitable screening practices for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in the primary care setting.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the educational initiative in enhancing learners' awareness and integration of social drivers of health (SDoH) into patient care.
Identify future educational interventions to expand equitable care practices.
