title: Web-based distress management for implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: A randomized controlled trial.
abstract: Sudden cardiac arrest caused by cardiac arrhythmias is 1 of the leading causes of death worldwide. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are considered as standard care for patients with increased risk of arrhythmias. However, 1 in 4 ICD patients experiences psychological distress post-ICD implantation. The WEB-based distress management program for ICD patients (WEBCARE) was developed to mitigate anxiety and depression and enhance health-related quality of life in ICD patients. This study investigates the 6- and 12-months outcomes.
  
  
  
  A total of 289 consecutive ICD patients from 6 referral hospitals in the Netherlands were randomized to either the WEBCARE (n = 146) or usual care (n = 143) group. Patients in the WEBCARE group received an online, 12-weeks fixed, 6 lesson behavioral treatment based on problem solving therapy. Patients in the usual care group receive care as usual.
  
  
  
  Current findings show no significant difference on anxiety, depression or quality of life between the WEBCARE and Usual Care group at 6- and 12-months postimplantation.
  
  
  
  In this clinical trial of a Web-based behavioral intervention for ICD patients, the Web-based treatment was not superior to usual care on the long-term regarding patient reported outcomes. Future studies are warranted to examine the applicability of blended-care models and focus on further personalizing the program in order to increase adherence and improve outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors.affiliation: CoRPS-Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology.
authors.forename: Mirela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Habibović
authors.affiliation: CoRPS-Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology.
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Denollet
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije University Amsterdam.
authors.forename: Pim
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cuijpers
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Catharina Hospital.
authors.forename: Pepijn H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: van der Voort
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis Hospital.
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Herrman
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital.
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bouwels
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Vlietland Hospital.
authors.forename: Suzanne D A
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Valk
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Amphia Hospital.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alings
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center.
authors.forename: Dominic A M J
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Theuns
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark.
authors.forename: Susanne S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Pedersen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life