SAFER Study in Australia – Screening Phase Completed
Zenicor Medical Systems AB announces that the screening phase of the SAFER study in Australia (SAFER-AUS) has now been completed. The study is part of the world’s largest randomized trial on screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). Together with the SAFER study in the UK, it strengthens the global evidence for systematic, population-based screening for atrial fibrillation in healthcare.
Australian Channel 9 News broadcast a segment about the SAFER-AUS study (March 30, 2026)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeoL0mWCBz4
Video: Medical report av Gabriella Rodgers, Channel 9 News
The completion of the screening phase in both SAFER-UK and SAFER-AUS demonstrates that:
- Systematic screening for atrial fibrillation is feasible in primary care
- Zenicor Solution enables scalable and efficient screening for atrial fibrillation
- Early diagnosis creates opportunities for preventive treatment and reduced risk of stroke
- Healthcare systems can benefit from moving from opportunistic to structured screening
For Professor Ben Freedman, who leads the SAFER-AUS study at the University of Sydney, the mission is also personal:
“I have worked in stroke prevention care and research for many years, and I have personally experienced a stroke. This reinforces how important preventive work is. If we can prevent even a fraction of all strokes by detecting atrial fibrillation earlier, the impact on individuals, families, and healthcare systems would be enormous.”
A growing global evidence base
Atrial fibrillation is a common and often undetected heart rhythm disorder, and one of the most important risk factors for stroke. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Despite this, screening is not yet widely implemented in healthcare. The SAFER program aims to change this by providing robust clinical evidence for structured screening.
With the completion of the screening phase in SAFER-AUS, together with SAFER-UK, one of the most comprehensive global evidence bases for systematic AF screening in clinical practice is now available. As previously communicated, final results from the follow-up phase are expected to be ready for publication in 2028.
“These are important results that give us a unique position ahead of future national screening programs,” says Mats Palerius, CEO of Zenicor Medical Systems AB.
About the SAFER Program
The SAFER program is an international research initiative evaluating systematic screening for atrial fibrillation in primary care in the United Kingdom and Australia. The aim is to generate evidence that can inform clinical guidelines and health economic decisions.
For more information about SAFER AUS, please visit:
https://safer-aus.sydney.edu.au/
For more information about SAFER UK, please visit https://www.safer.phpc.cam.ac.uk
About Zenicor
Founded in 2003, Zenicor Medical Systems is a leading provider of solutions and care pathways for ECG-based arrhythmia diagnostics and stroke prevention. In partnership with healthcare providers, Zenicor develops integrated and scalable care pathways that enhance patient outcomes and drive more efficient use of healthcare resources.
For more information, please visit: www.zenicor.com
For further information, please contact:
Mats Palerius, VD, Zenicor Medical Systems AB
+46 8 442 68 60 mats.palerius@zenicor.se
Highresolution images : http://zenicor.se/pressmaterial
