Atrial fibrillation: DOACs and Vitamin K antagonists

This indicator covers the percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation and a last recorded CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or more who are currently prescribed a direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) if eligible, or a vitamin K antagonist if not eligible for a DOAC or a DOAC is declined, clinically unsuitable or not indicated. It measures outcomes that reflect the quality of care or processes linked by evidence to improved outcomes.

Last reviewed: November 2022

Next review: November 2025

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 NM231.

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.