Effectiveness of a nongovernmental organization-led large-scale community atrial fibrillation screening program using the smartphone electrocardiogram: An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients older than 65 years is currently recommended. OBJECTIVE We aim to examine the effectiveness of a nongovernmental organization led community-based AF screening program carried out by trained layperson volunteers. METHODS AF screening was performed using a smartphone electrocardiogram in 11,574 participants. RESULTS Among all participants, smartphone electrocardiograms were interpretable in 10,735 citizens (92.8%; 8564 female citizens [79.8%]; mean age 78.6 +/- 8.1 years). Two hundred forty-four participants (2.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2-2.6%; 172 female participants [70.5%]; mean age 79.5 +/- 7.9 years) had AF and were advised over phone by a nurse to seek medical attention. Newly diagnosed AF was found in 74 participants (0.69%; 95% CI 0.54-0.84%) with a mean CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score of 3.9 +/- 1.5. Thirty-six of them (48%; 95% CI 36.6-59.4%) were asymptomatic. The number needed to screen for 1 newly diagnosed AF was 145. Telephone follow-up of participants with AF was conducted 9 months after screening. Of 72 participants with newly diagnosed AF and indicated for oral anticoagulation, 47 (65.3%; 95% CI 54.3-76.3%) sought medical attention, 17 (23.6%; 95% CI 13.8-33.4%) received oral anticoagulants, and 16 (22.2%; 95% CI 12.6-31.8%) had 100% compliance. The number needed to screen for 1 appropriately treated newly diagnosed AF was 671. CONCLUSION This nongovernmental organization led community based AF screening program is effective in identifying citizens with newly diagnosed AF. However, the effectiveness of the program in subsequently leading them to receive appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy is weakened by the lack of a more structured downstream management pathway.