APL-AF

We introduced APL-AF in 2016. Since then, the tool has supported great successes in increasing the use of anticoagulant medications in people with atrial fibrillation, preventing heart attacks and strokes. 

How it works

A GP or pharmacist runs a search in their clinical system and imports the results into APL-AF. The tool will then list all registered patients with atrial fibrillation. With a couple of clicks the clinician can filter the list into cohorts, to:

Optimise medications

• Increase anticoagulation, to prevent heart attacks and strokes;
• Reduce patients on dual therapy for longer than necessary, to prevent major bleeds;
• List warfarin users who may benefit from a discussion about switching to DOAC.

Tailor their approach

• See other relevant medications, co-morbidities, vulnerabilities, and latest blood pressure recording for each patient.

How to access

APL-AF is only available to GP practice teams in the North East London NHS region. If you have not yet downloaded this tool, or need support using it, please contact your local CEG facilitator.

User guides and resources

• APL-AF - User Guide for EMIS Web [PDF 4,232KB]
• APL-AF - User Guide for SystmOne [PDF 3,070KB]
• How to record anticoagulation prescribed by a third party [PDF 420KB]
• If APL-AF does not function as you expect, follow these steps to ensure 'macros' are enabled: How to troubleshoot Excel files - enabling macros [PDF 461KB]

Funding and support

APL-AF was developed as part of REAL-Health Cardiovascular, a major research programme funded by Barts Charity.