Screening Education And Recognition by Primary Care Physician of Atrial Fibrillation for Prevention of Stroke (SEARCH-AF GP)

This pilot study involves the use of a handheld single-lead ECG taken on an iPhone with a special case, the AliveCor Heart Monitor for iPhone (iECG), in GP clinics. This study aims to build on the original SEARCH-AF study, which was conducted in community pharmacies.

The SEARCH-AF pilot study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of using the iECG to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF) in GP clinics. In addition, SEARCH-AF GP will inform the development of a future large-scale trial of iECG screening for AF in general practice.

Ethical approval for the study has been obtained, and patient recruitment has commenced at three clinics. It is anticipated that recruitment will finish in the next few months and results will be available in late 2013.