Implementing the clinical guideline is expected to reduce the incidence of stroke for people with atrial fibrillation to 69% of the current level. This translates to a relative risk reduction of 31% and a reduction in stroke incidence from 59 to 41 per 100,000 population per annum.

There are significant resource implications arising from the recommendations and it has been assumed that the majority of change in practice will occur in the first year following publication of the guideline.

This paper is designed to give an executive summary of the key points in relation to medicines optimisation arising from NICE CG180. It highlights some issues CCGs may wish to consider in terms of implementation of the guidance.