Educational intervention for patients with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a brief educational intervention administered two weeks after Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) implantation on subsequent levels of anxiety, depression, stress and hostility.

DESIGN: A randomised controlled design was used.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Twenty-two patients hospitalised for implantation of an AICD were recruited for the study. Thirteen patients were randomised to attend the intervention and nine to the standard care control group.

INTERVENTION: The educational intervention was delivered by a nurse and psychologist. It comprised one 60-90 minute session in which the patient and a significant other received detailed information about the AICD (including practical and psychological aspects), and had the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and receive reassurance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The DASS was used to measure anxiety, depression and stress at two, four and six months after AICD insertion.

RESULTS: Patients who attended the intervention showed no significant improvements or trend toward improvement on any of the measured psychological domains.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a single educational session delivered to recent AICD recipients is not sufficient to improve patients' psychological adjustment.