NP015 Development and evaluation of an individualized nursing intervention to increase the acceptance of implantable cardiac defibrillators by new carriers of these devices

Mortality among patients at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias has been greatly reduced via implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) treatment. However, unique concerns about this device, including ICD shocks, can provoke anxiety symptoms. Even in patients who do not experience shocks, fear of shock may result in increased anxiety, avoidance behaviours and perceived limitations in performing everyday activities, which in turn can diminish patients' acceptance of the device. There is a paucity of research examining nursing interventions aimed at increasing the acceptance of the device among new ICD patients .The purpose of this randomized pilot study is to verify the feasibility and acceptability of an individualized n ursing intervention aimed at increasing the acceptance of ICD treatment .The sample will consist of thirty patients from a tertiary cardiac hospital with newly implanted ICDs. The nursing intervention, based on Human Caring theory and influenced by a cognitive behavioural approach, will address patients' unique concerns related to ICD treatment during three individual encounters. After randomization for the experimental group, the first contact will be made in person before hospital discharge, and the two others via a telephone follow-up. The aim of this presentation is to describe the process used to develop the nursing intervention and the study's design. The proposed individualized nursing intervention has the potential to improve recovery for the growing number of ICD patients in Canada. The results may eventually lead to a larger trial which could provide empirical support for a nursing intervention aimed at addressing the emotional needs of these patients.