Improving stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation in emergency departments

Optimizing Stroke Prophylaxis of Acute Atrial Fibrillation with an Electronic Clinical Decision Support Tool: A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial Design

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11145021

This study is looking at how to help doctors in emergency rooms prescribe blood thinners better for patients with atrial fibrillation, which can help lower the risk of stroke.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11145021 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the prescribing of oral anticoagulants for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in emergency departments. It utilizes an electronic clinical decision support tool to empower healthcare providers to make timely and appropriate treatment decisions. By focusing on the acute care setting, the study aims to address the common issue of underprescribing anticoagulants, which can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. The approach involves a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in real-world emergency department settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation while receiving care in an emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have atrial fibrillation or those who are not treated in emergency departments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation treated in emergency departments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that clinical decision support tools can improve prescribing practices in acute care settings, indicating potential for success with this approach.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.