Pacemakers patients perception of daily life activities and follow-up: a French survey

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of our study was to assess patients' knowledge about pacemakers after the implantation. Material and methods: We performed a multicenter survey in 13 French centers from January 2011 to July 2012. In each center, patients received usual informations about pacemaker implantation, functioning, and about their habits after the implantation. They signed a consent for implantation. One to 10 days after implantation, all patients received a questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluates patients' perceptions of information and consent, risks of implantation, follow up, and about performing various routine activities (daily life activities, use of electrical devices, ability to undergo medical imaging tests). Results: We included 258 patients. The mean age was 75.6 + 10.6 years 34-102 yrs) and 61% were men. The intervention was a primary implantation in 89% of patients. We noted that 78% on the patients remember that they have signed a consent and 73% of patients remember that they received counselling in the peri-operative period. A considerable proportion of patients considered many routine activities unsafe including driving automobiles (30%), swimming (39%), passing through metal detectors (47%), sleeping on the side of the pacemaker (42%). Also, 28% of patients think they can use induction hobs and 18% think they can use arc welding equipment. Regarding medical imaging, 45%; 29% and 33% of patients considered unsafe making scanners, radiography and echography respectively; and 41% ignored if they can have MRI. Finally, regarding the medical follow up, 11% of patients think they don't need heart medications and 17% of patients think they are exempt from monitoring by a cardiologist. Conclusion: The results of our study highlight on patients' misperceptions on pacemaker functioning and the need in improving practices to better inform patients. Thus, the quality of life of implanted patients may be improved.