Patient perceptions of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deactivation discussions: A qualitative study:

摘要

Background:There is a class I recommendation for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deactivation discussions to occur between physicians and heart failure patients. Few studies have reported the patient’s perspective on the timing of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deactivation discussions.Aim:To determine patient awareness, preferences and timing of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deactivation discussions.Design:Grounded theory was used to collect and analyze interview data from 25 heart failure patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.Setting and participants:Patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, from the Heart Function Clinic at University Health Network (Toronto, Canada).Results:The sample (n?=?25) was predominately male (76%) with an average age of 62?years. Patients identified three stages where they felt implantable cardioverter-defibrillator deactivation should be discussed: (1) prior to implantation, (2) with any significant deterioration but wh...