Submitted by James Cantwell on Tue, 15/04/2025 - 11:35
Over 89,000 participants are taking part in the largest ever randomised clinical trial of screening to detect atrial fibrillation (AF). The SAFER trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is working with 197 GP practices across England to determine whether systematic AF screening can reduce the risk of strokes and other serious health conditions.
AF is a common heart condition, especially for people over 70. It increases the risk of stroke and other serious problems, including heart attack and dementia. However, many people with AF remain undiagnosed and unaware of their condition.. Once diagnosed, people with AF can be effectively treated with anti-coagulation therapy, lowering the risk of serious illness developing.
How the SAFER Trial Works
Participants in the trial were randomly assigned to either a screening group or a non-screening group. Those invited to screen were provided with a small hand-held device to record and share their heart rhythm traces over a three-week period.
Key Milestones So Far
- Over 23,000 participants completed screening
- Over 800 cases of AF have been detected
- Over 80% of diagnosed participants have started anti-coagulation (blood thinning) treatment to reduce their risk of stroke
What’s Next? The NHS, the UK and globally
Researchers are now following up participants, using their electronic health records, to see how many serious health problems occur in each group. The results, expected in 2028, will provide evidence to inform national atrial fibrillation screening policy.
The findings will influence international healthcare guidelines and how AF is detected and managed worldwide.
Professor Jonathan Mant, Chief Investigator of the SAFER programme, said:
“We want to thank everyone participating in this trial – it is quite amazing to see so many people willing to take part, and those who are selected for screening are doing a fabulous job of using the hand-held device.”
“Thank you to all our practices and research nurses across England, whose phenomenal work has enabled us to reach this milestone”.
Are you interested in which GP Practices supporting the SAFER programme? Scroll through the map on the SAFER website.
This trial is funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme (RP-PG0217-20007). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. See: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/