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Home-based OSA screening does not improve quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation compared to standard care

The VIR-SAAF trial is a national, decentralised RCT investigating whether home-based OSA screening and referral for potential treatment improves quality of life, physical activity, and AF-related outcomes compared with standard care in adults with paroxysmal or persistent AF. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in change from baseline to 18 weeks in quality of life using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life questionnaire. As a protocol paper, no results are reported yet.

Last updated: Jul 9, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. VIR-SAAF: a study protocol for a national decentralised randomised controlled trial of home-based sleep apnoea screening in patients with atrial fibrillation in Denmark.

observational

Hashiba M, Linz D, Frandsen R, Jennum P, Grove EL, Gantzhorn E, Al-Ansary L, Nielsen SK, Al-Alak A, Bille J, Fuglsang M, Tang LH, Korshøj M, Risom SS, Lamberts M · BMJ open (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 18 weeks
Intervention: Home-based OSA screening using a mobile application with device delivery, digital questionnaires, rhythm monitoring, activity tracking, and referral for potential treatment
Outcome: Change in quality of life (Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life questionnaire) from baseline to 18 weeks
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adults with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation in Denmark

Result:

PubMed: 42409410DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-121645

Mechanism Graph

Home-based OSA screening identifies undiagnosed OSA
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Patients with OSA are referred for potential treatment
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Treatment of OSA may improve sleep quality and cardiovascular health
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Result: Improved quality of life and AF-related outcomes

Limitations

  • ⚠No results yet reported as this is a study protocol
  • ⚠Decentralised remote design may introduce selection bias or adherence issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary outcome of the VIR-SAAF trial?▼

The primary outcome is the between-group difference in change from baseline to 18 weeks in quality of life, measured by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life questionnaire.

How are participants randomised in this trial?▼

Participants are randomised 2:1 to home-based screening for OSA or to no screening.

Is this trial conducted in-person or remotely?▼

The trial is fully decentralised and conducted remotely using a purpose-built mobile application, with no in-person visits required.

What is the sample size and duration of the VIR-SAAF trial?▼

The abstract does not specify sample size; the primary outcome is assessed at 18 weeks follow-up.

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References

  1. 1.Hashiba M, Linz D, Frandsen R, Jennum P, Grove EL, Gantzhorn E, Al-Ansary L, Nielsen SK, Al-Alak A, Bille J, Fuglsang M, Tang LH, Korshøj M, Risom SS, Lamberts M. "VIR-SAAF: a study protocol for a national decentralised randomised controlled trial of home-based sleep apnoea screening in patients with atrial fibrillation in Denmark.." BMJ open, 2026. PMID: 42409410 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-121645
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.