Award winning heart rhythm project adopted by more UK hospitals
A tool to prevent heart rhythm problems for patients who have undergone major surgery that was first developed at St Bartholomew’s Hospital has been rolled out to 17 cardiac units across the UK.
The AF care bundle supports patients at risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate, by giving them beta blockers before symptoms, such dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness, progress.
Beta blockers can used to prevent atrial fibrillation and restore the heart’s efficiency and performance by slowing it down and blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline.
Atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 40% of patients who have had heart surgery and 2% of patients undergoing a non-cardiac operation.
Untreated atrial fibrillation is linked to an increased risk or stroke and heart failure.
The work was led by Dr Martina Büerge (left), a consultant in cardiothoracic anaesthesia, and matron Rosalie Magboo (right), both from the Barts Heart Centre, alongside Nisha Bhudia, a pharmacist from the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals.
What began as a quality improvement project in 2019 has now been adapted by multiple specialist centres around the country, helping to reduce rates of atrial fibrillation for those undergoing heart operations.
The team were recently recognised with a Quality Improvement and Patient Safety award from the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery, the professional body for Great Britain and Ireland.
The award recognises "innovative initiatives that have been demonstrated to improve the safety or quality of care delivered to patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery."
Rosalie said: "It's very humbling to receive this award. What started as a small local project is now helping our patients nationally."
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