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PERSON-CENTERED MEDICINE IN A PATIENT WITH IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR: THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION
MONIKA ŠERIĆ
; Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care,, Zagreb, Croatia
MARIJANA BRAŠ
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
VELJKO ĐORĐEVIĆ
; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
DAVOR MILIČIĆ
; Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Implantable cardioverter defi brillators (ICDs) are the most effective treatment for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, reducing mortality in patients at a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Although physical benefi ts of ICD are unquestionable, ICD implantation is a stressful event for patients. It may cause problems in adaptation to the device and deteriorate patient quality of life (QOL). At the same time QOL is infl uenced by cardiac disease, as well as by psychosocial
adjustment to the changed life situation. ICD recipients commonly experience fear, anxiety and depression, which may occur as a result of concern about their health, lack of understanding how the ICD works, activates and feels, and unpredictability of receiving ICD shocks. ICD-related fears and concerns, especially about the often painful ICD discharges, have been identifi ed as a major determinant of psychological distress and impaired QOL. Also, stress and anxiety can potentiate pathological processes that increase the risk of SCD. The objective of this paper is to present a peculiar case of a young woman having experienced frequent ICD activations, the impact of the device implantation on her psychological status, and how educating others helped her cope with the life with ICD.
Keywords
defi brillators; chronic disease; communication; education, medical
Hrčak ID:
193716
URI
Publication date:
15.2.2018.
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