Facilitators and barriers to atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in primary care: a qualitative descriptive study of general practitioners in primary care in Ireland.

Eight GPs from five practices participated in an interview. Three GPs, two male and one female, were recruited from two rural practices and five GPs, two male and three female, were recruited from three urban practices. All eight GPs expressed a willingness to engage in atrial fibrillation screening. Time pressures and the need for additional staff to support were identified as barriers. Programme structure and patient awareness campaigns/education wereidentified as facilitators.The results have been integrated into a pilot primary care-based screening programme for atrial fibrillation.