Healthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering care to patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Abstract

The healthcare professionals described how they wished to develop the care further. Both nurses and physicians were consistent in wanting to provide competent and confirming care based on a holistic perspective with high accessibility to the ICD team. The findings describe how healthcare professionals strive to provide professional clinical care in order to give the patients tools to handle their life situation. They suggested that more structured education and counselling according to guidelines should be provided. They also highlighted the need to increase their own competence by improving their knowledge and skills.

Perceptions of healthcare professionals’ support, shock anxiety and device acceptance among implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients

“…, Bolse et al . ). A European survey indicated that follow‐up of ICD recipients requires important resources in terms of time from specialist professionals, which should form the basis of clinical, organizational, financial and policy initiatives to cope with the increased demand in this area (Boriani et al .…”

“…Both recipients and healthcare professionals have reported a need for more time and education for follow-up visits (Tagney et al 2003, Morken et al 2010, Bolse et al 2013. A European survey indicated that follow-up of ICD recipients requires important resources in terms of time from specialist professionals, which should form the basis of clinical, organizational, financial and policy initiatives to cope with the increased demand in this area (Boriani et al 2011).…”

“…psycho-educational programmes (Sears et al 2007, Vazquez et al 2010, Dunbar et al 2012. Healthcare professionals such as nurses, technicians and cardiologists play a significant role in providing educational counselling, support and technical follow-up after ICD implantation (Bolse et al 2011(Bolse et al , 2013. They may, therefore, constitute an important social support system that could be another factor influencing device acceptance.…”

Perceived support from healthcare professionals, shock anxiety and post‐traumatic stress in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients

“…A recent Swedish study revealed that both nurses and physicians felt that there should be more structured education and counselling during ICD follow‐up, as suggested in clinical guidelines (Bolse et al . ). Such education, in addition to understandable information and unpressured time during ICD follow‐up, is vital for actively involving the recipients in the decision‐making process pertaining to treatment options.…”

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) deactivation discussions: Reality versus recommendations

“…In the pursuit of a patient-centred approach to care, professionals need to be aware of each patient’s unique information needs and preferences, 27,28 have the knowledge and ability to accurately determine prognosis 22 and communicate this effectively in order to maintain the balance between potentially frightening the patient unnecessarily and underplaying their condition. 29 These demands often lead professionals to avoid 30,31 end-of-life discussions, creating a ‘conspiracy of silence’ between themselves and the respective patient that ultimately stifles shared decision-making.…”