IntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke. There is a fivefold increase in stroke risk in the presence of AF. The irregular beating of the heart enables blood stasis which allows clots to form. These can migrate to the brain causing a stroke. AF is common and its incidence increases with age. AF is often asymptomatic and early detection enables effective preventive treatment reducing stroke risk by up to two-thirds.Stroke contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. In Ireland, it is the leading cause of acquired disability and second leading cause of death. The cost associated with stroke is significant. Stroke risk increases with age and is a public health priority.Internationally, there is consensus among experts that AF screening is valuable. In Ireland, the National Cardiovascular Policy recommended establishing a screening programme. However, there are many ways to screen for AF including pulse palpation, mobile ECG devices, 12-lead ECG and personal health monitoring devices.This study aims to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and impact of AF screening in primary care using a handheld mobile ECG device.Methods and analysisGeneral practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in the South of Ireland will opportunistically screen patients aged ≥65 years for AF at routine consultation using a handheld one-lead ECG device, KardiaMobile. This study will screen up to 4000 patients. Blood pressure and smoking status will be checked concurrently. A mixed-method evaluation will be undertaken including a partial economic evaluation. Anonymised data will be collected from participating practices and qualitative interviews will be conducted with GP, nurse and patient participants.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee in University College Cork. Dissemination will involve publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at national and international conferences.

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##Aim This study aimed to explore the attitudes of dentists in Ireland towards the phase-down of dental amalgam in relation to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. ##Methods A cross-sectional survey design was adopted using a quantitative 53-question survey piloted and distributed to dentists working in general dental practice. ##Results The study had a response rate of 11.8% (n=285). The study found a high level of awareness regarding recommended guidelines concerning the Minamata Convention on Mercury, with 96% of participants reporting that they were aware of the recommendations. Over half of the participants (61%) reported that they felt the phase-down was a good idea. ##Conclusions Training and remuneration were identified as the main barriers to a total phase-out of dental amalgam in Ireland in the future.

##Aim This study aimed to investigate the use and waste management of dental amalgam and mercury-free alternatives by general dental practitioners in Ireland. ##Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was adopted. A 53-question survey was piloted and distributed to dentists working in general dentistry in Ireland. Participants were recruited from the Dental Council of Ireland Dental Register. ##Results A total of 285 dentists (12%) responded to the survey. The study found that resin composite was the most commonly placed restorative material by respondents (69%), followed by dental amalgam (20%). Compliance with waste management of dental amalgam was high, with 93% of respondents reporting having a waste management policy concerning the disposal of waste amalgam and 87% compliance with the fitting of amalgam separators. ##Conclusions The study found that dentists in Ireland are compliant with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and identified training and remuneration as two of the main barriers to implementing a total phase-out of dental amalgam.