title: Development and testing of an intervention to improve outcomes for partners following receipt of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in the patient.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe 3 foundational studies and how their results were used to formulate, design, and test a novel partner intervention for implementation in the immediate post-ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) period after returning home. Nursing's expanding role into chronic illness management in the creation of evidence-based practice is highlighted. A randomized clinical trial comparing 2 intervention programs is being conducted with patients who receive an ICD for the first time and their intimate partners. Primary outcomes are physical functioning, psychological adjustment, relationship impact, and health care utilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. cindyd@uw.edu
authors.forename: Cynthia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Dougherty
authors.forename: Elaine A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kudenchuk
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D018454:Spouses / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*