Experiences of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator in Turkey: A qualitative study

• Main Authors: Özgür Aslan, Gülümser Argon, Hatice Mert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Professor Despina Sapountzi-Krepia 2012-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Caring Sciences
• Subjects: nursing; qualitative research; implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Online Access: http://internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org/docs/Vol5_Issue1_07_Mert.pdf

Background. There has been an increase in the number of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). It isimportant to understand ICD patients’ experiences with it.Aim. The aim of this study was to describe experiences of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).Methodology. A qualitative approach was used. Focus group interviews were used to obtain data from 19 patients whowere implanted cardioverter defibrillator at two centers in Izmir, Turkey. The patients were assigned into four groups. Thedata was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results. The analysis revealed six main themes: activities of daily living, social life, familial relationships, emotionalchanges, implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks and experiences with receiving information and counselling fromhealth care providers.Conclusions. It can be concluded that patients with ICD experience physical and psychological problems and are not offeredthe education they need. To reduce the fears of the patients and their families and to prepare them for possible life stylechanges, comprehensive training programs that start in the pre-implantation period and continue into the post-implantationperiod should be organized.