Abstract
As the number of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted continues to rise, there is a growing challenge to ensure patients and family members are adequately equipped for involvement in future...
Highlights
Given the rising rates of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation world-wide, the clinical concern of device deactivation is occurring more frequently within clinical practice as there is growing evidence that practice is sub-optimal [1,2]
As the number of implantable cardioverter defibrillators implanted continues to rise, there is a growing challenge to ensure patients and family members are adequately equipped for involvement in future end-of-life decisions concerning their device
A proactive approach to discuss deactivation would enable shared clinical decision-making in the advanced stages of illness
Summary
Given the rising rates of ICD implantation world-wide, the clinical concern of device deactivation is occurring more frequently within clinical practice as there is growing evidence that practice is sub-optimal [1,2]. For patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and their families, understanding the functionality of their device will inform decisions concerning its management in the advanced stages of illness [4,5]. Clinical guidelines and expert position papers [6,7,8,9] recommend healthcare professionals discuss deactivation of the device, empirical studies report many are reluctant to engage in these conversations [1,10,11]. Exploring the clinical concerns from patients’, family members’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives may facilitate development of strategies to improve current practice
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