Atrial Fibrillation Awareness

Atrial fibrillation (AF) awareness training provides healthcare and care staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognise AF, understand its causes, symptoms and risks, and support people living with the condition. The course covers diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, anticoagulation and emergency response, helping delegates recognise deterioration and respond appropriately to potential complications, including stroke and TIA.

  • Suitable for: Nurses, HCAs, care workers, domiciliary care staff

  • Delivery method: Face-to-face / Virtual training

  • Course length: ½ day

  • Max attendees: 15 delegates

Who is this training for?

This CPD training course is designed for organisations wishing to train 8 or more staff members and can be delivered either face-to-face, or as an online webinar. For further information, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or make an online enquiry.

Course information

Atrial fibrillation awareness training provides a practical overview of the condition, from how the heart works and what happens during AF to common risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. Delegates explore treatment approaches including rate and rhythm control, anticoagulants, cardioversion and catheter ablation, alongside the importance of medication adherence and lifestyle support.

The course also focuses on recognising deterioration, supporting emotional wellbeing and responding to emergencies. Learners will develop confidence in identifying concerning symptoms, understanding when escalation is required and recognising the signs of stroke using FAST. Interactive activities, including pulse-checking, encourage participation and help delegates apply their learning to real-world care situations.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the atrial fibrillation awareness training, delegates will be able to:

  • Explain what atrial fibrillation is and how it affects the heart.

  • Recognise the common signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

  • Identify common causes and risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation.

  • Understand the potential complications of atrial fibrillation.

  • Understand how atrial fibrillation may be diagnosed and monitored.

  • Describe common approaches to atrial fibrillation treatment, including rate and rhythm control.

  • Understand the role of anticoagulants in reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke.
  • Support individuals with medication adherence, lifestyle choices and emotional wellbeing.
  • Recognise signs of deterioration and understand when concerns should be escalated.
  • Recognise the FAST signs of stroke and understand when emergency assistance is required.
  • Respond appropriately to individuals experiencing potentially serious complications, while following relevant care plans, policies and procedures.

Delivery methods

Acute Training Solutions strive to deliver an engaging and informative learning experience in a safe and inclusive environment. All of our training courses are delivered by experienced healthcare professionals across the UK. This healthcare training course is available via the following delivery methods:

  • Face-to-face training (½ day): This course can be delivered to a maximum of 15 delegates and can be tailored to meet your organisation's specific needs.

  • Virtual training (½ day): This course can be delivered via Zoom or MS Teams to a maximum of 20 delegates. Virtual sessions are most commonly used as refresher training sessions. Please note that there is no hands-on practical element in this training; practical elements are displayed using video examples.

Course FAQs

Atrial Fibrillation Awareness training provides learners with an understanding of AF, including how it affects the heart, common causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications and appropriate responses to deterioration or emergencies.

The course is suitable for staff and learners who support individuals living with atrial fibrillation or who may need to recognise symptoms, deterioration or complications associated with the condition. The course focuses on building knowledge and confidence when supporting people with AF.

The training covers how the heart normally works, what happens during AF, different types of AF, causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and monitoring, treatment, anticoagulation, stroke prevention and supporting individuals with the condition.

Yes. Delegates will learn to recognise symptoms including palpitations, an irregular or fast heart rate, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, reduced ability to exercise, chest discomfort and feeling faint. The course also highlights that some people may have no noticeable symptoms.

Yes. The course explains why anticoagulants are used in people with AF and how they help reduce the risk of blood clots, stroke and TIA. It also covers the importance of taking medication as prescribed and monitoring for signs of bleeding.

Yes. Stroke prevention is an important part of the training. Delegates learn the FAST approach to recognising stroke symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness or numbness, Speech difficulties and Time to call 999 immediately.

Yes. We deliver atrial fibrillation awareness training nationwide and can provide training at your premises or through alternative delivery methods where appropriate.

Yes. Certificates are provided following successful completion of the course.

Make an enquiry

Acute Training Solutions can provide tailored healthcare training to your organisation or team. To find out more about this course, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or complete the short online form below. A member of our team will be in touch right away.