Quality of death: implantable cardioverter defibrillators and proactive care.
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.
Sears
Samuel F
SF
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. ssears@phhp.ufl.edu
Sowell
Lauren Vazquez
LV
Kuhl
Emily A
EA
Handberg
Eileen M
EM
Kron
Jordana
J
Aranda
Juan M
JM
Conti
Jamie B
JB
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*