Study will examine efficacy of quality initiative for atrial fibrillation patients
Belgium-based Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Premier, a healthcare company in Charlotte, North Carolina, have partnered to launch a major study on addressing unmet medical needs for hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation and who have a risk for ischemic stroke.
The study has been named QUANTUM AF (Quantify Use of ANTicoagUlation to improve Management of AF) and will examine the effect of a hospital quality improvement program on an oral anticoagulant in the patients described, according to an April 3 press release.
"The enormous number of people with atrial fibrillation who leave the hospital without medication, and therefore are at risk for stroke, represents a tremendous unmet medical need," said Paul Burton, MD, PhD, vice president of medical affairs at Janssen, in a statement. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Premier on the QUANTUM AF initiative in an effort to understand this significant need and help ensure patients are appropriately protected against a stroke when they leave the hospital."
The randomized study will include about 150 hospitals in which researchers will assign a 1:1 ratio either to the QI program or have them continue to perform their normal quality procedures.
The QI program will include webinars, coaching calls with experts and other online resources.
The researchers hope the study will reveal whether the QI program is effective in better treating patients with atrial fibrillation, and it’s slated to last about 20 months.
Senior Writer
As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Katherine primarily focuses on producing news stories, Q&As and features for Cardiovascular Business. She reports on several facets of the cardiology industry, including emerging technology, new clinical trials and findings, and quality initiatives among providers. She is based out of TriMed's Chicago office and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in Modern Healthcare, Crain's Chicago Business and The Detroit News. She joined TriMed in 2016.