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Supermarket/Hypermarket Opportunistic Screening for Atrial Fibrillation (SHOPS-AF): A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Ian D Jones1,2, Deirdre A Lane2,3,4, Robyn R Lotto1,2
1School of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2AJ, UK.
Insights
This study tested a novel approach to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF) using a hand-held electrocardiogram (ECG) device embedded in supermarket trolleys. The feasibility of this method for widespread AF detection will inform future large-scale trials.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart arrhythmia and a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- Oral anticoagulation significantly reduces stroke risk in AF patients.
- Hand-held electrocardiogram (ECG) devices offer potential for routine AF screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a hand-held ECG sensor (MyDiagnostick) for AF screening when integrated into supermarket trolley handles.
- To assess the feasibility of embedding AF detection technology into everyday objects for opportunistic screening.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach involving a two-phase study.
- Phase 1: Quantitative assessment with 2000 participants using MyDiagnostick-equipped trolleys in supermarkets.
- Phase 2: Qualitative interviews with pharmacists and store managers to explore staff perceptions.
Main Results:
- The study will determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the MyDiagnostick sensor for AF detection.
- Data will be collected on participant engagement and the practicalities of in-store screening.
- Pharmacist and manager feedback will provide insights into the implementation of this screening strategy.
Conclusions:
- This feasibility study is designed to inform a larger, definitive trial on AF screening using integrated technology.
- The findings will guide the development of innovative, routine screening programs for atrial fibrillation.
Aims:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a key risk factor for ischaemic stroke. Following AF detection, treatment with oral anticoagulation can significantly lower mortality and morbidity rates associated with this risk. The availability of several hand-held devices which can detect AF may enable trained health professionals to adopt AF screening approaches which do not interfere with people's daily routines. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a hand-held device (the MyDiagnostick single-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor) in screening for AF when embedded into the handles of supermarket trolleys.
Methods:
A mixed methods two-phase approach will be taken. The quantitative first phase will involve the recruitment of 2000 participants from a convenience sample at four large supermarkets with pharmacies. Prospective participants will be asked to conduct their shopping using a trolley embedded with a MyDiagnostick sensor. If the device identifies a participant with AF, the in-store pharmacist will be dispatched to take a manual pulse measurement and a static control sensor reading and offer a cardiologist consultation referral. When the sensor does not detect AF, a researcher will confirm the reading with a manual pulse measurement. ECGs will be compiled, and the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values will be determined. A qualitative second phase will consist of semi-structured interviews carried out with those pharmacists and store managers in-store during the running of the trial period. These will explore the perceptions of staff regarding the merits of embedding sensors in the handles of supermarket trolleys to detect AF.
Conclusion:
This feasibility study will inform a larger future definitive trial.
