title: Outcomes, problems and quality of life with the implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
abstract: The survey aimed to assess the outcomes, problems and quality of life (QOL) in recipients of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Average QOL was 6.4 (1-10 scale), but lower in those who had received shocks (p < 0.05); 54% of patients had been shocked at least once. Usual daily activities were resumed by 72%, and driving by 76% of patients; 96% would recommend the ICD to others. Primary information sources were the implanting cardiologist and manufacturer's booklet. This study concluded that most ICD recipients have good QOL, but it is reduced in those who have been shocked by the defibrillator. Most eventually know enough about living with the ICD, but desire more education and support at the time of ICD insertion. Nurses could meet this need.
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Cardiac Technology, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McKinley
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nagy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003625:Data Collection; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome