OasisLMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often first identified outside of specialty care, making early decisions about evaluation, referral, and treatment critical to long‑term outcomes. This expert‑led session explores how clinicians can guide newly diagnosed patients toward the most appropriate care pathway—drawing on insights from *Patient Care Pathways and Outcomes Following Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation* (Zeitler et al., *Journal of the American Heart Association*, 2026).

Through a focused panel discussion, participants will examine real‑world patterns in AF diagnosis, referral behavior, and treatment selection; identify gaps that influence patient outcomes; and learn practical strategies for improving coordination between primary care, cardiology, and electrophysiology. The session highlights actionable steps clinicians can take to ensure patients receive timely, guideline‑aligned care and understand their options from the moment AF is detected.

Ideal for clinicians across the care continuum, this course offers a clear, evidence‑based look at how early decisions shape the AF journey—and how better pathways can lead to better outcomes.

• Explain how patients move through primary care, cardiology, and electrophysiology during the first year after a new AF diagnosis.
• Interpret the study’s key associations involving electrophysiology consultation, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, oral anticoagulation, emergency department use, disparities in access and outcomes in higher risk populations.
• Identify practical opportunities for earlier recognition, effective referral, shared decision-making, and coordinated follow-up without suggesting that every patient requires the same pathway.
• Discuss what referring clinicians should communicate after a new AF diagnosis.

Faculty

Dr. T. Jared Bunch, Physician | University of Utah School of Medicine 

Dr. Emily P. Zeitler, Associate Professor | Dartmouth Health 

Dr. Jennifer A. Rymer, Chief Resident, Internal Medicine | Duke University Hospital 

Dr. Viet T. Le, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Research | Intermountain Health 

Mellanie True Hills, CEO | StopAFib.org


Disclosures

T. J. Bunch

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fees: Pfizer, Inc., Haemonetics, Abbott Medical
• Membership on Advisory Committees: Medtronic, Biosense Webster, Inc., 

E. Zeitler

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fees: Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Sanofi, V-Wave
• Research: Biosense Webster, Inc., Sanofi, Boston Scientific

J. Rymer

• Research: Abbott, Abiomed, Chiesi, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer
• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fees: Abiomed, Chiesi

V. Le

• Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Amarin, Novartis
• Research: Janssen Pharmaceuticals

M. True Hills

• Officer, Trustee, Director, Committee Chair: American Foundation for Women's Health

Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner):

S. Kane: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
M. Baldwin: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.