Disparities in Preferences for Receiving Support and Education Among Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

BACKGROUND: The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the established treatment for patients with a history of or at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Patients receiving an ICD are diverse, and little is known regarding their preferences for support and education postimplantation. The purpose of this study was to examine race, gender, and age preferences for receiving support and education (e.g., written, verbal). METHODS: Participants (N = 108, 75% Caucasian, 74% male, age 65 +/- 11 years) completed a research team-designed survey at a regularly scheduled clinic visit with the cardiac electrophysiologist at an academic medical center or offsite clinic. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi(2), and independent t-tests were conducted. RESULTS: The study demonstrates important associations between race, gender, and age with patient preferences for support and education with regard to ICD care. African Americans preferred written materials (P = 0.006) and a phone call with the cardiologist (P =0.036). Women preferred an ICD support group (P = 0.023), a phone call with the device nurse (P = 0.027), and a professional counselor (P = 0.049). Women's choice to receive education from their cardiologist approached significance (P = 0.055). Patients < or =67 years of age preferred to receive support via an Internet chat room with other ICD patients (P =0.036), and to receive education via an Internet Web site (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest methods of providing better care to ICD patients by offering them support and educational materials in their preferred modality. These data can aid in optimizing clinical care. Incorporating assessments of individual preferences into future clinical trial design is desirable.