Has the Welsh Government considered a strategy of screening older people in Wales for atrial fibrillation?
In 2014, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) reviewed the viability, effectiveness and appropriateness of screening of people aged 65 years and over for atrial fibrillation. The review found that it is not clear that those identified as at risk through screening would benefit from early diagnosis. The UK NSC’s recommendation is therefore not to offer systematic population screening for atrial fibrillation. This recommendation is being reviewed by the UK NSC during 2017-18 and we will consider their recommendation when published.
Links to both the UK NSC review criteria and recommendation on screening for atrial fibrillation are included below for information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/uk-national-screening-committee-uk-nsc
https://legacyscreening.phe.org.uk/atrialfibrillation