Pharmacist management of atrial fibrillation in UK primary care: a cross-sectional study

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of stroke by a factor of five, leading a significant cost burdens on healthcare system. Pharmacists, especially those based in a primary care environment are well placed to support patients in this therapeutic area.

Objectives: To assess primary care pharmacists’ actual knowledge on the management of AF symptoms and anticoagulation. Furthermore, to investigate the resources used by pharmacists.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using survey was conducted, targeting UK-based registered pharmacists employed within primary care settings. Quantitative data were analysed utilising descriptive univariate and bivariate statistics.

Results: 349 pharmacists completed the adapted 19-questions of the pharmacists’ knowledge. Out of a maximum of 19 points, the mean score was 14.34 ± 2.2 (75 ± 11.6%). The questionnaire revealed several significant gaps in pharmacists’ knowledge. Most of the surveyed pharmacists (62.8%) reported that they used sources of information to support their consultations. Half reported that they used the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (52.4%) and the British National Formulary (BNF) (50.7%).

Conclusions: Primary care pharmacists are knowledgeable about AF and its management; however, some gaps exist which may require addressing. Although pharmacists use a variety of information resources, it is the traditional resources that remain the most frequently used.