Help seeking in a support group for recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillators and their support persons

Avoidance behaviors in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

“…Support groups also have the additional benefits of facilitating social exchange, normalizing fears and concerns, and providing emotional support. [13][14][15] In addition to overcautious avoidance, a small percentage of patients experience more serious, pathologic avoidance (eg, shower, stairwell, or leaving the house). Patients in this category may well benefit from a psychological intervention such as cognitive behavior therapy, which uses cognitive and behavioral strategies to challenge the cognitions that maintain anxiety and avoidance behaviors.…”

Body image changes associated with dual-chamber pacemaker insertion in women

“…Support groups offer many benefits including a means to help patients "tell the story" of how they healed, offering new patients a sense of universality or a sense of not being alone with the "problem." 13,15 Heller and colleagues 16 showed that 96% of patients with ICDs who attended support groups found them to be helpful, felt healthier, were better able to work, and were more interested in social functions. Other possible benefits to support groups include the possibility of improving family dynamics, although no outcome studies of this type are in existence.…”

Using a webcast support service: Experiences of in-person attendees of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator support group

“…[9][10][11] Qualitative reports from patients and their spouses after participating in an ICD support group indicated an improved ability to cope, a positive adjustment to the device, an increased satisfaction with life, and a connection with other ICD recipients. [10][11][12][13] Support groups are often led or facilitated by trained healthcare professionals. The facilitator can provide information about medical conditions, answer technical questions, and correct incorrect information.…”