Patient's knowledge of daily activities, need for information and quality of life after cardiac electronic device implantation.

Abstract

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) such as pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators prevent dangerous heart arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities. Post-intervention education is crucial in the patient recovery process and aims to avoid both dangerous behavior and unnecessary restraints in daily living. The evaluation of knowledge of daily activities' safety among patients with CIEDs and an analysis of the relationship between the state of knowledge and perceived post-intervention quality of life. The study group included 100 patients (57% men) with CIEDs, recruited in the University Hospital in Kraków. Data on the patients' knowledge about permissible daily activities, medical procedures and perceived quality of life was collected using a dedicated questionnaire, which comprised 57 simple and multiple-choice questions. The analyzed group included patients aged 28 to 97 years (mean age 73). Among them, 26% either have not received or have not read the information booklet. Two-thirds of them either need more information about their device (51%) or do not possess essential knowledge (15%). Patients raised concerns about performing daily activities such as: car-driving (38%), using seat belts (14%), bathing (15%), returning to work (51%) or climbing stairs (16%). They reported anxiety when using computers (39%), mobile phones (51%), microwaves (73%) and even electric toothbrushes (51%). It has been observed that patients with a greater general understanding of the pacemaker and post-implantation restraints had a higher quality of life on average. Patients with CIEDs restrain themselves excessively in daily living. There is a strong need to provide them with knowledge of their medical condition, concomitant capabilities, and limitations to undergo a fully successful rehabilitation. Comprehensive and easily comprehensible recommendations may play a key role in improving patients' quality of life.