title: Unnecessary overuse. Study of "inadvisable practices" for patients with atrial fibrillation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify overuse (diagnostic, therapeutic and self-care practices that represent risks that outweigh the potential benefits) in patients with atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was based on qualitative research techniques. Using the "Metaplan" technique, we identified and ordered potentially inappropriate, ineffective and inefficient practices. By means of a consensus conference, we then established a number of "inadvisable practice" measures (relatively common practices that should be eliminated based on the scientific evidence or clinical experience). Professionals from the specialties of cardiology, haematology, neurology, internal medicine, family medicine and nursing participated in the consensus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We developed a catalogue of 19 "inadvisable practices" related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of anticoagulated patients that were inappropriate, had questionable effectiveness or were ineffective, as well as 13 beliefs or behaviours for anticoagulated patients that could result in injury or were useless or inefficient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The "inadvisable practices" approach helps identify practices that represent greater risks than benefits for patients. It seems appropriate to include algorithms in the clinical decision-making support systems that consider this information for the diagnosis, treatment and for home care. For this last case, recommendations have also been prepared that define specific contents for the healthcare education of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Calidad, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España; Asociación Madrileña de Calidad Asistencial, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.affiliation: Hematología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Llamas
authors.affiliation: Cardiología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanmartín
authors.affiliation: Neurología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Egido
authors.affiliation: Medicina Interna, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Del Toro
authors.affiliation: Medicina de Familia, Centro de Salud Isla de Oza, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Egocheaga
authors.affiliation: Enfermería, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Estévez
authors.affiliation: Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, España. Electronic address: inavarro@umh.es.
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Navarro
authors.affiliation: Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, España; Departamento de Salud Alicante-Sant Joan, Alicante, España; REDISSEC Red Enfermedades crónicas, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mira
keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Calidad asistencial; Fibrilación auricular; Overuse; Quality care; Sobreutilización innecesaria