Reducing Variation in Hospitalization and Processes of Care in Emergency Department Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health problem: it impairs quality of life and independently heightens the risks of ischemic stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality. AF is a common reason for presenting to emergency departments (ED) in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) and is associated with frequent hospitalization. Additionally, inter-facility hospitalization rates for AF vary across KPNC. Improvements in modifiable components of ED AF care could potentially reduce low-yield hospitalizations and the associated costs, patient inconveniences, and complications that can ensue. Real-time clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can transform entrenched physician practices and improve patient outcomes. The investigators will conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial of a CDSS intervention across 13 KPNC EDs for the comprehensive management of acute AF with the following three aims: 1) To evaluate the impact of the CDSS intervention on index hospitalization rates; 2) To evaluate the impact of the CDSS intervention on ED AF rate and rhythm control process-of-care metrics; and 3) To evaluate the impact of the CDSS intervention on AF stroke prevention actions for eligible participants at the time of ED discharge. The investigators hypothesize that the CDSS intervention will safely reduce index hospitalization rates, improve rate and rhythm control process-of-care metrics, and increase stroke prevention actions for eligible participants at ED discharge and within 30 days.