Check@Home: General Population Screening for Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Currently, in the Netherlands there is no structured national approach for the early detection of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes in the general population, despite the social and economic impact of these disorders. Detecting these chronic conditions at an early stage could allow for adequate and early treatment to prevent the progression of these conditions and their complications, thereby reducing the societal and economic burden caused by these chronic diseases. Objective of the study: To investigate whether population-based screening of subjects aged 50-75 years can contribute to early detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease (defined by elevated albuminuria), and thereby can contribute to prevention of the morbidity and mortality related to these diseases. This will be done by evaluating the participation rate, yield, and (cost-)effectiveness of the screening compared with standard care. Furthermore, the project aims to evaluate options for broader screening, including the early detection of heart failure, coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes. Study design: This will be a population-based screening with a phased implementation and an iterative design in four regions in the Netherlands (Breda, Utrecht, Arnhem, Eindhoven). Participants will be invited for a home-based screening (phase 1) that includes home-based testing; urine collection for detection of elevated albuminuria as indicator of chronic kidney disease, and a heart rhythm measurement using a smartphone app for detection of atrial fibrillation. Both home-based tests will be performed with CE-marked medical devices used according to their intended use. A subset of the population will also receive a short questionnaire. Depending on the results of the home-based tests, subjects might be invited for further screening in a diagnostic screening facility (phase 2). During this visit, physical data (height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rhythm) will be collected, blood will be drawn, and urine will be collected for the assessment of parameters that are indicative of a cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes or their risk factors. Participants will receive a questionnaire that includes questions on demographics, educational level, disease history, medication use, health literacy, and quality of life. Based on the results of the diagnostic screening, participants may be referred to their general practitioner for appropriate treatment (lifestyle advice/medication) according to the prevailing guidelines. It is planned that in a future protocol amendment an alternative treatment trajectory will be added in which participants may receive further treatment in the diagnostic screening facility. Study population: In total, a random sample of 160,000 people (aged 50-75 years) living in one of the four selected regions in the Netherlands will be invited to participate in the study. Another random sample of 160,000 people (aged 50-75 years) living in one of the four selected regions in the Netherlands will be included in the control group in which no screening will be offered.