Treatment effectiveness, health care costs and quality of life outcomes for the two to four percent of Australians with the heart condition atrial fibrillation (AF), could be markedly improved under a new research project now underway in western Sydney.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Sydney’s Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC) and the Australian Government-funded Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC).

The project will use a successful engagement tool used in the US to improve patient engagement and adherence to immunisation and medications, adapting it to provide personalised management and support to AF patients who have a wide variety of healthcare needs.

The project will also customise the tool to suit the Australian health system. The project being developed by Australian researchers could empower over 300,000 Australians who currently suffer from AF, to better manage their diagnosis.