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

06 Jul 20265 min read0 viewsJournal Feed

GIST (Key Takeaways)

Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common and modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), yet it remains frequently unrecognised and undertreated. Despite guideline recommendations to consider OSA screening, no consensus exists on optimal strategies.
The VIR-SAAF (VIRtual national study with home Sleep Apnea investigation in patients with Atrial Fibrillation) trial investigates whether home-based OSA screening and referral for potential treatment improve quality of life, physical activity and AF-related outcomes compared with standard care. Methods and analysis VIR-SAAF is a national, investigator-initiated, decentralised randomised clinical trial enrolling adults with paroxysmal or persistent AF across Denmark.
Participants are randomised 2:1 to home-based screening for OSA or to no screening. The trial is conducted entirely remotely using a purpose-built mobile application that supports electronic consent, digital questionnaires, rhythm monitoring, activity tracking and real-time communication with investigators.
This design allows all study procedures, including device delivery, data collection and follow-up, to be completed without in-person visits, enabling large-scale participation across geographical regions.

Clinical Editorial

BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 06 Jul 2026.

The item focuses on 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.

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