Educational intervention for patients with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a brief educational intervention administered two weeks after Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) implantation on subsequent levels of anxiety, depression, stress and hostility.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled design was used.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

Twenty-two patients hospitalised for implantation of an AICD were recruited for the study. Thirteen patients were randomised to attend the intervention and nine to the standard care control group.

INTERVENTION

The educational intervention was delivered by a nurse and psychologist. It comprised one 60-90 minute session in which the patient and a significant other received detailed information about the AICD (including practical and psychological aspects), and had the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and receive reassurance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The DASS was used to measure anxiety, depression and stress at two, four and six months after AICD insertion.

RESULTS

Patients who attended the intervention showed no significant improvements or trend toward improvement on any of the measured psychological domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that a single educational session delivered to recent AICD recipients is not sufficient to improve patients' psychological adjustment.