Atrial fibrillation: current treatment with anticoagulation
Indicator
In those patients with atrial fibrillation with a record of a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or more, the percentage of patients who are currently treated with anticoagulation drug therapy.
Indicator type
General practice indicator suitable for use in the Quality and Outcomes Framework.
This document does not represent formal NICE guidance. For a full list of NICE indicators, see our menu of indicators.
To find out how to use indicators and how we develop them, see our NICE indicator process guide.
Rationale
Untreated atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for stroke and other morbidities. Anticoagulation therapy can help to prevent strokes by reducing the likelihood of a blood clot forming. NICE recommends offering anticoagulation to people with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or more. This indicator aims to support treatment with anticoagulation drug therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Source guidance
Atrial fibrillation: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline 196 (2021), recommendations 1.6.3 and 1.6.5
Specification
Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator who were prescribed oral anticoagulants in the 6 months leading up to and including the payment period end date.
Denominator: The number of patients with most recent CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk assessment score of 2 or more and those who did not have a CHA2DS2-VASc but they had a CHADS2 stroke risk assessment score of 2 or more.
Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.
Exclusions: Patients with a persisting oral anticoagulant contraindication anywhere on their record and patients who have an expiring oral anticoagulant contraindication recorded in the preceding 12 months.
Minimum population: The indicator would be appropriate to assess performance at individual general practice level.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-6098-9