Impact of incorporating echocardiographic screening into a clinical prediction model to optimise utilisation of echocardiography in primary care.

Introduction: Access to public subspecialty healthcare is limited in underserved areas of Brazil, including echocardiography (echo). Long waiting lines and lack of a prioritisation system lead to diagnostic lag and may contribute to poor outcomes. We developed a prioritisation tool for use in primary care, aimed at improving resource utilisation, by predicting those at highest risk of having an abnormal echo, and thus in highest need of referral.

Atrial fibrillation detection with a portable device during cardiovascular screening in primary care.

Introduction: A novel handheld dual-electrode stick is a portable atrial fibrillation (AF) screening device (AFSD). We evaluated AFSD performance in primary care patients referred for echocardiogram (echo).

Methods: The AFSD has a light indication of irregular rhythm and single-lead ECG recording.