Critical pathways in cardiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Observational Study
Impact of an emergency department-initiated clinical protocol for the evaluation and treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Published data supporting the best practice for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) presenting to the emergency department (ED) are limited. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of an AF clinical protocol initiated in the ED with early follow-up in a specialty AF outpatient clinic. ⋯ We describe a novel approach to the care of patients with AF presenting to the ED. Usage of the ED-initiated AF clinical pathway with early follow-up in a protocol-driven AF clinic was associated with low readmission rates, no thromboembolic complications at 90 days, improved quality of life, and high patient satisfaction.