ICD patient information in southern Spain: a study

Aim: To identify the expectations, requirements, and opinions of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator from the Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Unit at the Teaching hospital in southern Spain, regarding information offered by the professionals attending to them. Methodology: Qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with 11 patients who had received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The period of data collection was May–June 2012. All interviews were recorded with the patient's previous consent and then transcribed literally. The transcription content was analysed taking into account the research aim, the analytical categories created, and those emerging during the study. Results: The following topics were identified: information provided before implantation and during the process; regular follow-up; experience-sharing and information from professionals other than those in the arrhythmia unit. Conclusions: Patients consider themselves to be well informed, trust the specialists attending to them, and feel no need to seek alternative sources of information. Health professionals should remain alert to any potential adaptation or psychological disorders in order to assist patients with the necessary interventions.