Singapore: Boehringer Ingelheim in co-operation with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions launched a physician educational programme that will help rectify misunderstandings on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) in China. The programme offered by Boehringer and ACC is with the help of the Chinese Society of Cardiology and is a part of a wider international educational activities. It is designed to address the current chronic under-treatment of atrial fibrillation in China and meet future needs for the prevention of AF-related strokes.

Following the formation of a steering committee with international experts from the ACC and Chinese experts from the Chinese Society of Cardiology, foundational 'Train the Trainer' meetings were completed in early 2013. These meetings were led by Professors John Camm and Elaine Hylek to build the foundation of the educational programme in China.

Ten pilot centres will be set-up throughout China in 2013 offering over fifty lectures and face-to-face exchanges in hospitals with top local and global experts in AF. The contents of the lectures will be based on actual clinical practice to address the 'real needs of China'. With the support of these trainers, the educational programme will now be rolled out in hospitals across China, reaching over 4,000 cardiologists during 2013.

Professor Dayi Hu, president, Chinese Society of Cardiology, said, "The first expert consensus on AF anticoagulation treatment in China has identified the importance of primary and secondary stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation leads to a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke, especially the risk of ischaemic stroke, which accounts for 92 percent of all AF-related strokes."

Prof Hu added, "There is still considerable misunderstanding amongst Chinese doctors on the role of anticoagulant treatments such as warfarin for stroke prevention in AF patients, leading to significant and widespread underuse. In light of the recent innovations in the field and the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants, physician education is even more crucial for improving patient outcomes."