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From Foot to Heart: A Podiatry Led Approach to Atrial Fibrillation Detection and Stroke Prevention

13:30 – 14:45

This session showcases an NHS Fife podiatry service innovation that integrates opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) into routine foot care. By training podiatrists to assess pulse rhythm and directly refer patients for ECGs, the service identifies previously undiagnosed AF earlier—reducing delays, GP appointments, and duplication in care pathways.

Results from a six-month pilot demonstrate significant clinical impact, with new diagnoses of AF and other cardiac conditions enabling timely intervention and reduced stroke risk. The session will also highlight the challenges, collaborative solutions, and future plans to embed and expand this model across services.

Speakers

Sharon Wiener-ogilvie

Sharon Wiener-Ogilvie

Podiatry professional head of service and Rheumatology Service Manager, Fife HSCP

Sharon Wiener-Ogilvie leads Podiatry and Rheumatology services in NHS Fife.
Toni Symon

Toni Symon

Podiatrist, NHS Fife

Toni Symon graduated from Queen Margaret University in 2003 and began her career in NHS Western Isles in the Outer Hebrides.
Angela Martin

Angela Martin

Podiatry Clinical Services Manager, NHS Fife

Angela Martin has developed her podiatry career within NHS Fife, specialising in both musculoskeletal and tissue viability workstreams with a strong focus on person-centred care.
Ellie Wyatt

Ellie Wyatt

Specialist Podiatrist, NHS Fife

Ellie Wyatt has worked as a generalist podiatrist in NHS Fife since graduating in 2021 from Queen Margaret University with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry.