COMMUNITY PHARMACY-BASED SCREENING FOR ASYMPTOMATIC ATRIAL FIBRILLATION USINGMOBILE SIX-LEAD ECG: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
Author(s)
Julia Olga Cynar, PharmD1, Wiktor Eliasz, PharmD1, Afonso Miguel Cavaco, Full professor2, Krzysztof Kus, Sr., PhD1, Tomasz Zaprutko, PhD1.
1Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland, 2Faculty of Pharmacy Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal.
1Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Social Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland, 2Faculty of Pharmacy Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal.
OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often asymptomatic and underdiagnosed, while its the risk and related thromboembolic complications, increase with age. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of opportunistic six-lead (6L) ECG screening for asymptomatic AF with KardiaMobile 6L in community pharmacies, and to evaluate patient willingness to pay (WTP) for this service.
METHODS: Pharmacy visitors appearing aged ≥55 years were opportunistically invited. After eligibility verification, individuals aged <55 years or with previous AF were excluded. A 30-second 6L ECG was recorded using KardiaMobile 6L by placing both thumbs on the upper electrodes and positioning the device on the exposed skin of the left lower limb (near the knee or ankle). The records were automatically analyzed by the application using AI-based instant interpretation algorithms and referred for cardiologist validation. Participants completed a questionnaire on pharmacy suitability for ECG screening, support for public reimbursement, interest of use the service if paid out-of-pocket (OOP) and maximum WTP.
RESULTS: Of 72 screened pharmacy visitors, 13 were excluded. The KardiaMobile 6L application classified 49 ECG recordings as normal, 3 as unclassified, 4 as unreadable, and 2 as tachycardia. Possible AF was detected in one participant with no previous AF history and was confirmed by cardiologist validation. All participants considered community pharmacies suitable for ECG screening and supported public reimbursement. The acceptance of pay OOP was reported by 29 of 59 respondents, with a median maximum WTP of PLN 50.00 (~EUR 11.65).
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings suggest that opportunistic 6L ECG screening for asymptomatic AF in community pharmacies is feasible and acceptable. Detection of previously unknown AF in 1 participant supports the potential value of pharmacy-based screening. A substantial proportion of respondents declared willingness to pay out of pocket for the service.
METHODS: Pharmacy visitors appearing aged ≥55 years were opportunistically invited. After eligibility verification, individuals aged <55 years or with previous AF were excluded. A 30-second 6L ECG was recorded using KardiaMobile 6L by placing both thumbs on the upper electrodes and positioning the device on the exposed skin of the left lower limb (near the knee or ankle). The records were automatically analyzed by the application using AI-based instant interpretation algorithms and referred for cardiologist validation. Participants completed a questionnaire on pharmacy suitability for ECG screening, support for public reimbursement, interest of use the service if paid out-of-pocket (OOP) and maximum WTP.
RESULTS: Of 72 screened pharmacy visitors, 13 were excluded. The KardiaMobile 6L application classified 49 ECG recordings as normal, 3 as unclassified, 4 as unreadable, and 2 as tachycardia. Possible AF was detected in one participant with no previous AF history and was confirmed by cardiologist validation. All participants considered community pharmacies suitable for ECG screening and supported public reimbursement. The acceptance of pay OOP was reported by 29 of 59 respondents, with a median maximum WTP of PLN 50.00 (~EUR 11.65).
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings suggest that opportunistic 6L ECG screening for asymptomatic AF in community pharmacies is feasible and acceptable. Detection of previously unknown AF in 1 participant supports the potential value of pharmacy-based screening. A substantial proportion of respondents declared willingness to pay out of pocket for the service.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
HSD2
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory)