Recommendations for research

Recommendations for research

As part of the 2021 update, the guideline committee made 4 new research recommendations (marked [2021]). Research recommendations retained from the 2014 guideline are labelled [2014].

Key recommendations for research

1 Tests to diagnose persistent atrial fibrillation

What is the diagnostic accuracy of key index tests (such as the KardiaMobile heart monitor (AliveCor), MyDiagnostik, Microlife BP monitors, iPhone plethysmography and pulse palpation) compared with the gold standard of 12‑lead ECG in people with risk factors for or symptoms of atrial fibrillation? [2021]

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale on detection and diagnosis.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B: accuracy of tests for detection.

2 Tests to diagnose paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

What is the diagnostic accuracy of key index tests compared with the gold standard of prolonged ambulatory monitoring in people suspected of having paroxysmal atrial fibrillation? [2021]

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale on detection and diagnosis.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B: accuracy of tests for detection.

3 Stopping anticoagulation after ablation

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of stopping anticoagulation in people whose atrial fibrillation has resolved after ablation? [2021]

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale on stopping anticoagulation.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review H: discontinuing anticoagulation in people whose atrial fibrillation has resolved.

4 Stopping anticoagulation after resolution of postoperative atrial fibrillation

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of stopping anticoagulation in people whose postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery has resolved? [2021]

For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation for research, see the rationale on stopping anticoagulation.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review H: discontinuing anticoagulation in people whose atrial fibrillation has resolved.

5 Cognitive behavioural therapy for people with atrial fibrillation

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy compared with usual care for people with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation? [2014]

6 Rate-control drug treatment for people aged 75 and over with atrial fibrillation

What is the comparative effectiveness of the 3 main drug classes used for rate control (beta‑blockers, calcium‑channel blockers and digoxin) in people aged 75 and over with atrial fibrillation in controlling symptoms, improving quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality? [2014]

7 Stroke risk assessment

Can routine data from UK primary care databases clarify stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation according to baseline risk factors and treatment? [2014]

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)