title: Living with cardiac resynchronization therapy: Challenges for people with heart failure.
abstract: The number of people with heart failure requiring implantation of a cardiac resynchronization device is increasing in Iran. Although this intervention is an effective life-saving treatment, several challenges are associated with patients' lifestyle after insertion. This study identified the challenges and coping mechanisms of Iranians with heart failure living with cardiac resynchronization therapy. A qualitative approach using conventional content analysis was adopted. Seventeen people with heart failure and three nurses were recruited between December 2014 and November 2015 from a teaching hospital and a private clinic in Rasht, Iran. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews lasting 30-60 min. Five themes emerged: (i) fear of implantation, (ii) the panic of receiving a shock from the device, (iii) lack of control over life, (iv) inadequacies of the healthcare system, and (v) psychosocial coping. A heightened understanding of these challenges and coping strategies could prepare healthcare professionals to provide better routine care, education, and support to the recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy prior to implantation, during the recovery period, and for long-term management.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Shadi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dehghanzadeh
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Nahid
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dehghan Nayeri
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Shokoh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Varaei
authors.affiliation: Interventional Cardiovascular Research Center, Heshmat Heart Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
authors.forename: Jalal
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kheirkhah
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058406:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Iran; cardiac resynchronization therapy; cardiovascular nursing; heart failure; patient perspective; qualitative study