title: Uncertainty is a major concern for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study objective was to explore the main concern of individuals living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and how they handle this in daily life. For improved management and follow-up, it is important to understand how the ICD affects the recipient's daily life.
  
  
  METHODS
  A grounded theory method was used. Sixteen Swedish recipients (9 men) living with an ICD for 6 to 24 months were interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The core category labeled, "Incorporating uncertainty in daily life," illuminates the main concern. To handle uncertainty, recipients used the following strategies: restricting activities, distracting oneself, accepting being an ICD recipient, and reevaluating life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recipients were not paralyzed by uncertainty. Instead, they incorporated uncertainty in life by using strategies to handle their daily life. Questions, comments, and plans for supportive communication were provided, which can be used by healthcare professionals in cardiac rehabilitation.
authors: Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Nursing Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. inger.flemme@hh.se
authors: Inger
authors: I
authors: Flemme
authors: Ulrika
authors: U
authors: Hallberg
authors: Ingela
authors: I
authors: Johansson
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Strömberg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013548:Sweden; D035501:Uncertainty