A.Fib Emergency Department Study Atrial Fibrillation

This study is a multi-centre, multi-provincial, patient survey using mixed methods. 778 patients will be enrolled from 9 centres in 3 provinces from academic, urban, and rural centres to achieve geographical and health system heterogeneity. The planned duration of the entire study (enrollment through follow-up) is approximately 12 months. Patients presenting to the ED with a primary diagnosis of AF and with a prior diagnosis of established AF will be approached to participate. Each centre will be responsible for obtaining local consent. Data will be stored confidentially and securely at the coordinating centre (Queens University, Kingston, Ontario).

Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to take part at the time of presentation to the ED or after their ED visit. For all enrolled patients, one follow up telephone call will be made within one to four weeks of the ED visit by a social scientist with specialised training in questionnaires based in Queens University, Kingston, Ontario.