Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | ICD: the challenge between sudden cardiac death and patient's psychological needs |
|---|---|
| Name | Conti Elena |
| Supervisor(s) | Panzera Nunzio |
| Academic Year | 2014/15 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
Every year, more than 7 milion deaths worldwide and more than 300.000 deaths in the United States are attribuible to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). In order to cope with this issue, which affects such a large number of peolple, prevention strategies have been developed and including especially the insertion of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), which have the function of analyzing the heart activity and possibly releasing a lifesaving shock to the patient. Patients who survive SCD have a 20-25% rate of SCD recurrence per year; annual SCD rates in recipients of ICD devices are 1-2%. The use of ICDs has increased significantly since new implantation’s guidelines were introduced, and there are huge benefits regarding the survival of the patients if life-threatening arrhythmia occurr. Nevertheless this therapy is often accompanied by psychological distress during all aspects of the care process: the pre-implantation, immediate hospitalization after surgery, years later in the follow-up and during the whole life, such as during the end of life. The patients’s and the family’s experience major changes in the daily management of work and social activities, starting with the indication to the system, when you have to make an assessment of the risks and benefits in a short period of time. Both immediately after surgery than later, during the follow-up, healt professionals must help the patient and his family to accept the device and reshape their lifestyle.