UK First: Graphnet’s Atrial Fibrillation screening tool revolutionises stroke prevention
29 January 2025
Graphnet Health has launched a groundbreaking atrial fibrillation (AF) screening tool designed to transform stroke prevention and heart failure management. Integrated with Graphnet’s CIPHA (Combined Intelligence for Population Health Action) population health analytics and remote monitoring system, this tool enables early detection of undiagnosed and uncontrolled conditions, significantly reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.
Tackling the Stroke Crisis
Strokes remain a growing health challenge in the UK, with a recent NHS England report[1] showing that hospital admissions for stroke increased to 111,137 in 2023-24 from 87,069 in 2004-05. The economic and human cost of stroke care continues to strain NHS resources, making prevention a critical focus.
Graphnet’s AF Screening Tool addresses this by proactively identifying at-risk individuals through population health analytics and then testing them using remote monitoring. Early pilots have shown exceptional promise, identifying 28-33 cases of undiagnosed AF per 1,000 patients over 65.
Unlike traditional methods requiring complex procedures, Graphnet’s solution detects AF from a simple 30-second Lead I ECG recording, integrated into its CAREPORTAL® medical device. Certified under the European Medical Device Directive, this Android-based device simplifies health monitoring for patients, tracking ECG, breathing rate and other vital metrics.
Markus Bolton, Executive Director, Graphnet says:
Stroke is a huge silent burden on the NHS, and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation is a key risk factor in stroke. This solution will help us identify people with AF earlier so we can treat them and potentially prevent strokes. Moving screening out of hospitals and into primary care is a simple and effective way of making a real difference. By harnessing technology, we can improve the detection of AF, enabling preventative care that could save lives and reduce the devastating impact of stroke.
Peter Levene, Clinical Research Director at Graphnet, emphasises the solution’s preventative impact:
Care for stroke victims is critically important, as is providing support for their families and caregivers. However, it is crucial to remember that prevention is far better than no cure. Aligned with the Darzi Report's emphasis on proactive care, this groundbreaking solution not only supports better patient outcomes but also helps alleviate pressure on NHS resources. The economic and human cost of stroke care is vast, with survivors often requiring lifelong support.
Unlike reactive models that focus on post-stroke care, this solution shifts the paradigm to prevention. Early detection of stroke risk factors, such as AF, enable clinicians to intervene effectively, helping patients avoid life-altering events. Untreated AF can lead to a stroke in one in five patients within a year. Preventing these cases has the potential to save thousands of lives and millions in healthcare costs annually.
A scalable NHS Solution
Early evidence suggests that Graphnet’s screening approach aligns with international benchmarks. The solution’s potential to integrate seamlessly with existing NHS frameworks underscores its viability as a scalable tool for nationwide implementation.
Graphnet’s Docobo Remote Monitoring research pilots identified 28-33 cases of undiagnosed AF per 1,000 of at-risk patients, demonstrating its potential to significantly reduce stroke-related mortality and NHS costs.
The Docobo Remote Monitoring research pilots are in line with the findings of the STOP-STROKE programme by Emma Svennberg (specialist in AF) et al of the Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Launch Timeline
Graphnet’s AF Screening Tool will be rolled out at a pilot site in early 2025, setting the stage for a nationwide transformation in stroke prevention.
