Work Packages

Specific expertise for meaningful results

Work packages (WPs) are structured building blocks that organise the AF-B-STEP project into clearly defined thematic and operational components. Each WP has specific tasks, objectives, deliverables, milestones under a coherent scope (e.g., management, clinical research, data science, dissemination) and a designated WP leader as well as contributing partners. This ensures clarity with respect to roles, accountability, and reporting. Together, the different work packages translate the overall project strategy into manageable and measurable activities in order to achieve the project’s aims.

WP 1

Dissemination, communication, exploitation and training
WP leader: AFNET WP co-leader: ESC

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This work package (WP) focuses on ensuring that project results reach all relevant stakeholders, including scientists, clinicians, patients, and policymakers. It develops communication strategies, educational materials, and public engagement activities to maximise awareness and impact. WP1 also supports training initiatives such as masterclasses and e-learning to build capacity in atrial fibrillation (AF) research. Ultimately, it aims to translate scientific findings into clinical practice and guidelines.
WP 2

Data Integration, ethics and consent management
WP leader: UKE WP co-leader: TK

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WP2 establishes the foundation for the project by managing, integrating, and harmonising large-scale datasets. It ensures compliance with ethical, legal, and data governance standards while enabling secure data sharing. The work package also includes a clinical cohort study linking device data with health outcomes. Its outputs provide high-quality and FAIR-compliant datasets for analysis in other work packages (FAIR = findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable).
WP 3

Characterisation of AF burden
WP leader: UM WP co-leader: Boston Scientific

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This work package aims to comprehensively describe AF burden across diverse populations and datasets. It validates detection algorithms and analyses AF episode patterns, progression, and temporal dynamics. Additionally, WP3 evaluates different screening strategies to determine optimal detection methods. The results provide a detailed understanding of how AF burden manifests and evolves over time.
WP 4

Effect of AF burden on stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular death, and cost-effectiveness analyses
WP leader: UKE WP co-leader: Novartis

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WP4 investigates how AF burden influences major clinical outcomes such as stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death. It develops predictive models and identifies actionable thresholds that can guide treatment decisions. The work package also evaluates the effectiveness of interventions that reduce AF burden. In parallel, it assesses healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness to inform policy and resource allocation.
WP 5

Effects of AF burden and outcomes beyond stroke
WP leader: UKE WP co-leader: Acesion

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This work package explores additional patient-centred impact of AF burden beyond major clinical events. It examines associations with cognitive function, heart function, quality of life, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs). WP5 also develops and refines measures of patient experience and outcomes. These insights help capture the full burden of AF from both clinical and patient perspectives.
WP 6

Standards for AF burden reporting by cardiac implantable electronic devices
WP leader: UKE WP co-leader: Biotronik

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WP6 focuses on improving consistency in AF burden reporting across implantable devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators (cardiac implantable electronic devices, CIEDs). It identifies current inconsistencies and defines standardised parameters and thresholds. Through collaboration with industry and clinical experts, it develops harmonised reporting frameworks. This standardisation aims to improve comparability, accuracy, and clinical decision-making.
WP 7

Standards for AF burden reporting by intermittent rhythm monitors
WP leader: McMaster WP co-leader: Withings

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This work package addresses AF burden measurement in wearable and intermittent monitoring devices. It compares different technologies and establishes standardized reporting parameters across platforms. WP7 also validates these standards against continuous monitoring data and clinical outcomes. The goal is to ensure reliable and clinically meaningful AF detection in consumer and medical devices.
WP 8

Predictors of AF burden and pathways for targeted rhythm monitoring
WP leader: Imperial WP co-leader: Preventicus

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WP8 identifies predictors of low, intermediate, and high AF burden using clinical data, biomarkers, and AI-based models. It develops tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Electrocardiogram (ECG) models and machine learning approaches to estimate AF burden. The work package also defines patient subgroups and supports targeted screening strategies. These insights enable more personalised and cost-effective monitoring and treatment approaches.
WP 9

Project management
WP leader: UKE WP co-leader: Medtronic

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WP9 ensures the overall coordination, governance, and smooth execution of the project. It manages communication, finances, reporting, and collaboration among partners. The work package also oversees risk management, quality control, and ethical compliance. Additionally, it facilitates interaction with regulators and supports long-term sustainability and impact of project outcomes.