Improving Detection and Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Black, Asian and other Ethnic Groups in Areas of Deprivation: Key Findings from our Evaluation

Healthwatch Hertfordshire was commissioned by the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (ICS) to complete an independent evaluation of their Innovation and Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP). This project looked to improve the detection and management of Atrial Fibrillation*, with a focus on engaging with ethnically diverse communities, given that Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevent Data shows that ethnically diverse groups are less likely to be appropriately managed.

A central theme found through this evaluation was the importance and value of partnerships and collaboration. Having a clear scope and remit, a range of partners involved provided different skills and expertise. Frequent communication between partners was a key driver for the success of the project and this work has created a strong base for future partnership working to continue.

The community outreach and events were recognised as key drivers for the success of the project. The events not only detected cases of cardiovascular disease but also provided information and education about cardiovascular disease, navigating the NHS, and healthy lifestyle advice to the community.
 

The inability to use the KardiaMobile device was a significant barrier cited by partners and meant having to change the focus of the project. However, the project enabled new ways of working, including the use of system searches within primary care to identify and invite patients potentially at risk, and this showed the importance of being able to share patient data between partners to ensure referrals, results and treatments are taken forward. Partners felt these are valuable learnings to take forward and be further resourced, developed and advanced.