Know Your Pulse

[MtLSteven]

I am organising a 3 day education "Know Your Pulse" stand at my local NHS Trust. I happen to work in their Cardiology unit.

Local senior Cardiology nurses are concerned that the A&E or GP services will be overwhelmed by people who are discovered to have an irregular rhythm. An irregular rhythm that is an ectopic masquerading as an AF rhythm? I think there is a touch of anxiety and alarmism here. The numbers of people found to be in AF or an irregular rhythm are likely to be small enough not to overwhelm the A&E at the hospital or GP services here in Norfolk.

I'm looking for advice and solutions on problems and obstacles encountered from those who have experience of running a Know Your Pulse promotion. Can you help?

[CDreamer]

You may be better advised by ringing or emailing the AFA directly as they have had a lot of experience, including conducting such campaigns in the Houses of Parliament.

You may find this link useful if you aren’t already aware of it heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

The White Paper has some really useful stats within.

[Hidden]

I have assisted in a number of similar events organised by the Surrey Arrhythmia Support Group and they may see this post and reply. They have had events at shopping centres and Summer Fairs and they have been very successful. Generally, 4% of those seen have had an abnormal pulse. The events were attended by a Cardiologist or EP, an Arrhythmia Nurse and more recently a GP. Kardia’s were used to check pulses and for those with problems we were able give them guidance on the day as to what they should do. Events generally ran from 10am to 4pm. You need to bear in mind that if someone is told they may have a pulse issue, it may be some time before they are able to see their GP therefore it is important that they get the help they need on the day. There is always a reluctance for some, (mainly men!) to take a spontaneous decision to have their pulse checked whilst out shopping but this may not be the case if carried out in a hospital. Good luck, hope this helps.

[MtLSteven in reply to Hidden]

Thanks it has helped I've e-mailed the Surrey Group. I'm waiting for a reply.

[Gnus]

Hi, I also work in cardiology and would like to host a know your pulse event in my local community. How did your event go and do you have any helpful advice from your experience?