The 2010 Government Supported Benefits 'Virtual' Summit
A unique web-based conference and series of accredited on-line self-learning programs focused on the impact of Heathcare reform on providers and patient care.

The Burden of Atrial Fibrillation on Healthcare

Needs Assessment:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common and serious cardiovascular disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. AFib is the most common arrhythmia in the United States, affecting more than 2.5 million adults, 80%  of whom are 65 years and older. In the next 40 years, the prevalence of AFib is projected to more than double to 5.6 million adults. AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke3 and heart disease, both of which are leading causes of death in the United States.4 AFib is also associated with significant impairments in patient quality of life. n a study published in 2006, researchers estimate the total direct annual medical cost for treatment of AFib patients over and under age 65 is $6.65 billion, with hospitalizations accounting for the largest share.

Even though the risk factors and serious complications of AFib are well known, AFib has not received the same attention as other chronic conditions to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. A program that provides information relating to the cost, consequence and treatment implications would be of great utility to all health care practitioners and health policy makers.

Learning Objectives:

• Following completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Examine the burden of AFib on healthcare,

• Describe the current state of AFib quality improvement efforts,

• Identify potential strategies to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes for AFib patients,

• Discuss opportunities to reduce healthcare costs,

• Understand the dispersion of geographic costs and implications for regional, state and national program expenditures.

Agenda

• Disclosures and Introduction (2 minutes)

• The burden of AFib on healthcare (10 minutes)

• The current state of AFib quality improvement efforts (10 minutes)

• Potential strategies to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes for AFib patients (10 minutes)

• Opportunities to reduce healthcare costs (15 minutes)

• The dispersion of geographic costs and implications for regional, state and national program expenditures (10 minutes)

• References, Summary and Conclusions (3 min)