Advance care planning and end-of-life care in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: The perspective of relatives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Little is known about the last phase of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and the practice of advance care planning in this population.

Aim

To describe the last phase of life and advance care planning process of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and to assess relatives' satisfaction with treatment and care.

Design

Mixed-methods study, including a survey and focus group study.

Setting/participants

A survey among 170 relatives (response rate 59%) reporting about 154 deceased patients, and 5 subsequent focus groups with 23 relatives.

Results

Relatives reported that 38% of patients had a conversation with a healthcare professional about implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation. Patients

SUBMITTER: Stoevelaar R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8114448 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature