Table 3.

Key changes in policy and practice during the study period, 2004–2018

Policy or evidence change	Year
Requirement for practice AF registers incorporated within QOF.31	2007
First major NOAC RCT demonstrates effectiveness.32	2009
Widespread introduction of local incentive schemes (LES) to diagnose and/or treat AF.33	2011
Expansion of AF within QOF from three to four indicators.31	2013
NICE guidance suggests a larger proportion of patients with AF are eligible for anticoagulation.34	2014

AF, atrial fibrillation; LES, local enhanced service; NICE, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; NOAC, novel oral anticoagulants; QOF, Quality and Outcomes Framework; RCT, randomised controlled trial.