Atrial fibrillation detection in community pharmacy in south west London

Background  

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder, characterised by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat caused by disorganised electrical activity in the heart. Because AF can be intermittent or asymptomatic, it often goes undetected, yet its consequences can be serious. If left untreated, AF makes a person around five times more likely to experience a stroke or heart attack than someone without the condition. It is also associated with heart failure, reduced quality of life, and higher overall mortality. Early detection is therefore critical, as it enables timely use of anticoagulation (blood thinning) medications and other management strategies to reduce stroke risk, prevent complications, and improve long-term outcomes.

Project overview

The British Heart Foundation has funded South West London Integrated Care Board to deliver an innovative AF detection project in community pharmacy settings. The ICB has commissioned the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London to project manage and evaluate the two-year project, which aims to tackle underdiagnosis of AF across the region.

We led an expression of interest process inviting community pharmacies across SWL to apply to be a pilot site.  Ten community pharmacies were selected as sites for the rollout. Training was provided to lead pharmacists ahead of the project’s launch in late 2025. Alongside education on AF, its diagnosis and treatment, pharmacists were trained to use a smartphone app called FibriCheck.

Pharmacists will identify and invite patients at higher risk of AF to take part, supporting them to download and use the FibriCheck app free of charge. By placing a fingertip on their smartphone’s camera, patients can record their heart rhythm for analysis. Fourteen readings over a one-week period are required to generate a result. Both the pharmacist and patient receive the outcome, with instructions of next steps depending on whether possible AF is detected or not.

The HIN will monitor delivery of the service, analyse data across all pharmacies and support pharmacists to share their learning through community of practice meetings.

Project outputs

• An evaluation of this project will be completed and available in 2027.
• You can access an evaluation of our work tackling atrial fibrillation across south east London here.