Atrial fibrillation: review of anticoagulation

This indicator covers the percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation, currently treated with an anticoagulant, who have had a review in the preceding 12 months which included: assessment of stroke/VTE risk; assessment of bleeding risk; assessment of renal function, creatinine clearance, FBC and LFTs as appropriate for their anticoagulation therapy; any adverse effects related to anticoagulation; assessment of compliance; choice of anticoagulant. It measures outcomes that reflect the quality of care or processes linked by evidence to improved outcomes.

Last reviewed: April 2021

Next review: August 2026

This indicator will be reviewed using the assessment criteria in appendix B of the NICE indicators process guide when it reaches its review date or the underlying guidance is updated.

This indicator was previously published as NM147.

How to use NICE indicators and how we develop them

Indicators can be used in a number of different settings to support high quality care. These include:

• identifying where improvements are needed
• setting priorities for quality improvement and support
• creating local performance dashboards
• benchmarking performance against national data
• supporting local quality improvement schemes
• showing progress that local health systems are making on outcomes.

Find out how to use indicators and how we develop them.