23 April 2025

A Cambridge Biomedical Research Campus study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has become the largest randomised atrial fibrillation screening trial ever undertaken.

 The SAFER trial, which stands for Screening for Atrial Fibrillation with ECG to Reduce stroke, has over 89,000 participants and works with 197 GP practices across England to determine whether systematic atrial fibrillation screening can reduce the risk of strokes and other serious health conditions.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common heart condition, especially for people over 70, that increases the risk of stroke and other serious problems, including heart attack and dementia. Many people with AF remain undiagnosed and unaware of their condition. Once diagnosed, people with AF can be effectively treated with anti-coagulation therapy, lowering the risk of serious illness developing.

SAFER Trial

Trial participants were randomly assigned to either a screening group or a non-screening group. Those invited to screen were provided with a small hand-held device to record and share their heart rhythm traces over a three-week period.

Key Milestones So Far

• Over 23,000 participants completed screening
• Over 800 cases of AF have been detected
• Over 80% of diagnosed participants have started anti-coagulation (blood thinning) treatment to reduce their risk of stroke

Watch a Tik Tok video of Professor Jonathan Mant, Chief Investigator explain more about the SAFER Programme

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Panel Input

The SAFER Trial, which has been running since 2018, has received input from the Cambridge University Hospitals Patient and Public Involvement Panel. The panel are made up of over 70 local residents and their feedback and contributions helped make the research trial more relevant, more accessible and more likely to succeed in the real world. Find out more about becoming part of the CUH PPIE Panel

‘Over the years we have benefitted from input from the Addenbrooke’s PPI group for the SAFER trial (and its various offshoots!)’ – Kate, SAFER trial 

What’s Next? The NHS, the UK and globally

Researchers are now following up participants, using their electronic health records, to see how many serious health problems occur in each group. The results, expected in 2028, will provide evidence to inform national atrial fibrillation screening policy.

The findings will influence international healthcare guidelines and how AF is detected and managed worldwide.

Professor Jonathan Mant, Chief Investigator of the SAFER programme, said:

“We want to thank everyone participating in this trial – it is quite amazing to see so many people willing to take part, and those who are selected for screening are doing a fabulous job of using the hand-held device.”

“Thank you to all our practices and research nurses across England, whose phenomenal work has enabled us to reach this milestone”.

Are you interested in which GP Practices supporting the SAFER programme? Scroll through the map on the SAFER website.