What factors influence anxiety, coping and adjustment following Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator implant?
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are now the main treatment for patients at risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Interventions that may aid adjustment to life with an ICD are evolving (Kohn et.al.2000, Carlsson et.al. 2002, Fitchett et.al.2003, Dougherty 2004, Dunbar 2005). No published study has reviewed effects of extrinsic factors (e.g. social support, employment) and intrinsic factors (e.g. coping style, pre-disposition to anxiety) on patients’ adjustment processes following ICD implant compared with those achieved through targeted psycho-educational support intervention. This project explores what factors influence recovery and adjustment over time.
