Effective consultation skills are at the heart of primary care, enabling GPs to deliver patient-centred care that is safe, evidence-based, and aligned with patient preferences. One useful tool to enhance clinical decision-making and shared decision-making is the BRAINS framework. This simple yet powerful framework helps clinicians guide discussions systematically while ensuring patients fully understand their options.

When managing a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF), it's important to consider not just the medical aspects, but also how the condition impacts the patient's lifestyle, including their school, work, and hobbies. Below is a step-by-step guide to managing AF in primary care, with a focus on a comprehensive and patient-centred approach.

Understanding the challenge.