MRI compatibility and battery longevity were the most important pacemaker characteristics for both patients (28.1% and 22.6%) and cardiologists (25.1% and 23.8%) in Spain.
Observational (n=42)
Yes
What are the most valued pacemaker characteristics according to patients and cardiologists?
Both patients and cardiologists prioritize MRI compatibility and battery longevity when selecting a pacemaker, though patients value smaller size while cardiologists emphasize follow-up type and safety features.
Effect estimate: Relative importance: Patients MRI compatibility 28.1%, Cardiologists MRI compatibility 25.1%; Patients battery longevity 22.6%, Cardiologists 23.8%
Absolute Event Rate: 28.1% vs 25.1%
Purpose: A better understanding of the preferences of patients and cardiologists for pacemaker characteristics is essential for advancing patient-centered care. We therefore aimed to identify and quantify the preference that patients and cardiologists assign to specific characteristics. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study based on a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The design was informed by a literature review, a patient focus group, and a scientific committee. Results: A total of 42 patients (66.7% male, mean SD age 64.2 12.1 years) and 42 cardiologists (64.3% male, mean age 47.3 9.3 years) participated in the study. For both patients (P) and cardiologists (C), the most important characteristics of pacemakers (higher relative importance, RI) are MRI compatibility (P: 28.1%; C: 25.1%) and battery longevity (P: 22.6%; C: 23.8%). The type of follow-up is more highly valued by cardiologists than by patients (P: 10.2%; C: 21.1%), whereas pacemaker size is prioritized by patients (P: 19.1%; C: 7.7%). From the cardiologists’ perspective, safety (12-month post-implantation infection rate: 19.39%) and technical aspects such as conduction system pacing (CSP) (15.14%), algorithms for minimizing unnecessary right ventricular stimulation (9.43%), and programming modes (9.11%) are also important decision drivers. Conclusion: MRI compatibility and battery longevity are key factors for both patients and cardiologists in decision-making. Patients also prioritize generator size and replacement processes, while cardiologists additionally focus on safety (infection rates) and technical aspects (CSP and algorithms to reduce unnecessary right ventricular stimulation). Plain Language Summary: Pacemakers help control abnormal heart rhythms. These devices differ in several features, and both patients and cardiologists may value them differently. This study explored which pacemaker characteristics are most important to patients and cardiologists. Forty-two patients with pacemakers and forty-two cardiologists participated in a survey that asked them to choose between different device options. Both groups agreed that MRI compatibility (being safe for magnetic resonance scans) and battery longevity were the most valued characteristics. Patients gave greater importance to the size of the device, preferring smaller generators, while cardiologists placed more value on how follow-up is performed after implantation. Cardiologists also emphasized safety, such as lowering infection risk after the procedure, and technical aspects, including conduction system pacing and algorithms that help reduce unnecessary right ventricular stimulation. Overall, the study shows that patients and cardiologists share similar priorities regarding MRI compatibility and battery life, but differ in their focus on other features. Recognizing these differences can help improve communication and support shared decision-making when selecting a pacemaker, ensuring that treatment choices better reflect what matters most to patients. Keywords: pacemaker, preferences, discrete choice experiment
Fernández et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Adult patients aged ≥18 years with implanted pacemakers (conventional or leadless) for at least 12 months in Spain (n=42). Pacemaker characteristics (MRI compatibility, battery longevity, size, follow-up type, safety and technical features) vs. Not applicable - Discrete Choice Experiment comparing preferences was evaluated on Preferences for pacemaker characteristics measured by relative importance percentages in a discrete choice experiment (Relative importance: Patients MRI compatibility 28.1%, Cardiologists MRI compatibility 25.1%; Patients battery longevity 22.6%, Cardiologists 23.8%). MRI compatibility and battery longevity were the most important pacemaker characteristics for both patients (28.1% and 22.6%) and cardiologists (25.1% and 23.8%) in Spain.