A ground-breaking programme to improve awareness and detection of patients with atrial fibrillation that was co-developed by Professor Gregory Lip from the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science has won a regional healthcare innovation award.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Universities of Birmingham and Liverpool received the Adoption of Innovation Award at the Meridian Awards for their ABC Pathway project.
The ABC Pathway is a simple strategy that helps clinicians with patients who are dealing with atrial fibrillation. ‘A’ Avoid stroke with Anticoagulation; ‘B’ Better symptom management with patient-centred symptom-directed decisions for rate or rhythm control; ‘C’ Cardiovascular risk and comorbidity management as well as lifestyle changes.
Professor Gregory Lip said: “I’m very happy for our work to be recognised and honoured in this way. Atrial fibrillation is the commonest heart rhythm problem, and our simple approach helps improve care and outcomes for such patients.
“The ABC pathway intervention represents streamlining of existing interventions, in a holistic or integrated manner thus optimising a ‘personalised package of care’ for atrial fibrillation patients.
Tammy Holmes, Head of Innovation Exchange said: “We’re honoured to celebrate the achievements of the teams at Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG and Universities of Birmingham and Liverpool with this award.
“The work being demonstrated in healthcare across the West Midlands is having a vital impact, nationally.”
The West Midlands Academic Health Science Network celebrated the best of innovation in healthcare around the region by presenting its fourth annual awards at the Park Regis in Birmingham.