Stroke Prevention and Rhythm Control Therapy STEEER-AF
This study, called STEEER-AF, is looking at how to improve treatment for people in the UK and other European countries living with atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition causing an irregular heartbeat. The main goal is to see if giving healthcare professionals special training helps them more effectively prevent strokes and manage AF rhythm problems in their patients. Hospitals and clinics will either receive this structured education program for their staff or continue with their usual practice. Researchers will then compare patient outcomes to see if the training makes a difference, encouraging professionals to follow the latest guidelines for AF care. This could lead to better health outcomes for many people with AF.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research, known as the STEEER-AF study, is all about improving the care for people who have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF). AF causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat, which can increase the risk of serious health problems like strokes.
Typically, when you have AF, your doctors will work with you to manage your heart rhythm and take steps to prevent strokes. This study wants to find out if giving healthcare professionals – like doctors and nurses – a specific, structured training programme can help them do an even better job at this. They want to ensure professionals are consistently using the most up-to-date guidelines and treatments.
To do this, some hospitals and clinics will have their staff go through this special training. Others will continue with their usual methods. The researchers will then compare the care and health outcomes of patients in both groups to see if the training makes a positive difference. If successful, this could mean better treatment and fewer strokes for people with AF across the UK and beyond.
Key takeaways
- A study focused on improving care for atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Investigating if special training for doctors and nurses helps prevent strokes.
- No new medicines or treatments are given to patients in this study.
- Participation involves allowing your health information to be used for research.
- Data collection happens at routine appointments and through remote follow-up.
- This study could lead to better AF care across the UK and Europe.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). To take part, you would need to agree to your health information being collected by the research team now and in the future.
However, you wouldn't be able to join if you are under 18 years old, pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Also, if you're already involved in another clinical study testing a new medication or device, or if your doctors believe you have a life expectancy of less than two years, you wouldn't be eligible for this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I am not currently pregnant or planning to be.
- I am not taking part in another study testing a new medicine or device.
- My doctor expects me to live for more than two years.
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and choose to take part, your doctor will collect some information about your health when you first join the study. Then, at your routine medical appointment about six to nine months later, more information will be collected as part of the study. After that, the research team will keep in touch remotely (without you needing to visit the clinic) to check on any important health developments for up to 18 months from when you joined. You won't be asked to take any new medication or try any new devices as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (70)
- CHU RennesVerified postcodeRennes, France
- CHU La TimoneVerified postcodeMarseille, France
- CHU Dijon - Hôpital du BocageVerified postcodeDijon, France
- Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-LévèqueVerified postcodePessac, France
- CHU DupuytrenVerified postcodeLimoges, France
- CHU Nancy, Hôpitaux de BraboisVerified postcodeNancy, France
- CHU RouenVerified postcodeRouen, France
- CHU RangueilVerified postcodeToulouse, France
- CHU PoitiersVerified postcodePoitiers, France
- CHU Aix en ProvenceVerified postcodeAix-en-Provence, France
- Centre Hospitalier de PauVerified postcodePau, France
- CHI Toulon La Seyne-sur-Mer Sainte MusseVerified postcodeToulon, France
Common questions
What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
AF is a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often fast heartbeat.
What is the study trying to achieve?
It wants to see if training healthcare professionals helps them better manage AF and prevent strokes in patients.
Will I receive new medicine or treatment?
No, this study is about educating healthcare professionals, not testing new treatments on patients.
How long will I be involved?
Your data will be followed up for a total of 18 months, with two points where information is collected during your routine appointments, and then remote check-ins.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time for any reason without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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