title: Quality of death: implantable cardioverter defibrillators and proactive care.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to discuss quality of death (QOD) among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. We outline recommendations that enhance QOD from the device patient and specialty cardiology perspectives.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Contemporary treatment of CHF patients routinely includes both pharmacologic therapy and the use of cardiac devices. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator prevents premature death in heart failure patients, though not death itself.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Active discussion and consideration of patient's QOD is indicated in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients to prevent unnecessary treatment and to increase control over perceived quality of life by patients and family.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. ssears@phhp.ufl.edu
authors.forename: Samuel F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Sears
authors.forename: Lauren Vazquez
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Sowell
authors.forename: Emily A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Kuhl
authors.forename: Eileen M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Handberg
authors.forename: Jordana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kron
authors.forename: Juan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Aranda
authors.forename: Jamie B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Conti
mesh_terms: D003643:Death; D003663:Decision Trees; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000592:standards*