Why the study?
What is the driving behavior of patients following the placement of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators?
What is the driving behavior of patients following the placement of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators?
A majority of patients with AICDs continue to drive despite medical advice against it, highlighting a significant non-compliance issue with driving restrictions.
High nonadherence to AICD driving restrictions observed; leaves open whether targeted counseling improves compliance or safety.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the driving behavior of patients following the placement of automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs). SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: Forty patients with AICDs (33 men, seven women; mean age, 62.7 years) responded to a questionnaire designed to ascertain driving behavior after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Despite medical advice never to drive again, 28 patients (70%) resumed driving, with the majority doing so by 8 months after AICD implantation. Of these, 11 (40%) identified themselves as the primary driver in their household. Fourteen (50%) drove daily. Two (7%) were driving and continued to drive during discharge of their AICDs. Twenty-five (91%) reported that they felt comfortable and safe while driving. CONCLUSION: A majority of patients with AICDs continue to drive after a proscription of this activity by health care workers.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nancy J. Finch (1993) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: