Virtual Education Program for Atrial Fibrillation
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate how a virtual education program can help primary care providers better manage atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). The study will assess whether these providers feel more knowledgeable and confident after completing the program. It will also examine if their patients receive improved care as a result. This trial suits primary care providers in North Carolina who treat adults. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative educational strategies that could enhance patient care.
What prior data suggests that this virtual education program is safe for participants?
Research has shown that virtual education programs like the AF and EKG Interpretation Project ECHO are generally safe. This program includes learning sessions on Zoom, without any physical treatments or medications. Consequently, there are no safety concerns such as side effects or adverse reactions common in drug trials. The goal is to enhance understanding and confidence in managing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. Participants engage solely in learning activities, resulting in very low risk.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Virtual Education Program for Atrial Fibrillation because it offers a novel way to empower healthcare providers with advanced knowledge through the AF and EKG Interpretation Project ECHO. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on medication or procedures for atrial fibrillation, this program leverages virtual, interactive education to enhance the interpretation skills of medical professionals, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. By using a virtual platform, it allows for wider accessibility and collaboration among providers, which is a unique approach in the field of atrial fibrillation management.
What evidence suggests that this virtual education program is effective for atrial fibrillation?
Research shows that the AF and EKG Interpretation Project ECHO aims to help people with atrial fibrillation (AF) by enhancing healthcare providers' skills and confidence. In this trial, all participants will engage in the AF and EKG Interpretation Project ECHO educational intervention. The program focuses on standardizing care and sharing the best practices for treating AF. Although the program is primarily educational, it aims to improve patient outcomes by better preparing providers to manage AF. Direct data on the program's effectiveness is not yet available, but it is based on the premise that better-trained providers can lead to improved patient care. Overall, the project seeks to increase provider knowledge, potentially leading to better management of AF in patients.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Anil Gehi, MD
Principal Investigator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for primary care providers (Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants) who are based in North Carolina and manage adult patients with atrial fibrillation. There are no specific exclusion criteria mentioned, so it appears open to all eligible healthcare professionals within the state.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Education Program
Participants engage in 12 hours of virtual education sessions over twelve weeks via Zoom
Assessment
Participants complete a knowledge and confidence assessment online before the program starts and after its completion
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in provider confidence and patient outcomes for 1 year post intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- AF and EKG Interpretation Project ECHO
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
Wake Forest University
Collaborator
Duke University
Collaborator
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Industry Sponsor
Christopher Boerner
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chief Executive Officer since 2023
PhD in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley; BA in Economics and History from Washington University in St. Louis
Deepak L. Bhatt
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Chief Medical Officer since 2024
MD from Yale University; MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania