Health economic aspects of atrial fibrillation: analyses based on the Swiss-AF cohort study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and serious arrhythmia of the heart, associated with increased morbidity and mortality from related conditions such as heart failure and stroke. The Swiss-AF cohort study is an ongoing, prospective, multicentre, observational study of 2,415 Swiss-AF patients that was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. In addition to rich demographic and clinical data, Swiss-AF collects health economic information.

The analysis of these data will allow us to better understand the economic and societal impact of atrial fibrillation. In particular, we are examining the real-life cost-benefit relationship and budget impact of clinical management options such as stroke prophylaxis with direct-acting oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists, and pulmonary vein isolation/catheter ablation in comparison with no or drug treatment. We are also studying the healthcare system-level and societal impact of atrial fibrillation in terms of amount, patterns and drivers of medical resource use and costs, influence on productivity in younger patients, and changes in health-related quality of life over time. Advanced methods will be applied to address threats to validity, e.g. due to the possible existence of unobserved confounders. The research will inform clinical and reimbursement decision-making, and healthcare planning in Switzerland. In addition, we expect refinements of methodological approaches to the economic analysis of real-world, longitudinal data for chronic disease patients, with relevance for research in other countries.

For further information please visit the project page.