Information for Healthcare Providers

The Cardiac Research Lab at East Carolina University offers valuable information for providers working with patients with cardiac disease, especially those with ICDs.  Significant restraints to recovery and well-being include anxiety (13-38%) and depression (24-33%) for many of those in the ICD population.  Also, adjustment difficulties increase the likelihood of having negative consequences of using ICD technology.  Some of these risk factors include: being female, history of shock(s), and being younger than 50 years of age.  Important outcomes include measures of Quality of Life (QOL), patient shock anxiety, and acceptance of the ICD device.

How We Can Help

Dr. Sears and his Cardiac Psychology team are available for consultation for healthcare providers working with ICD patients, as well as others who care for patients with cardiac disease (electrophysiologists, cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitation employees, psychologists, mental health professionals, etc.).  Comprehensive care has been found to be imperative and time is of the essence when providing for this unique population. 

Interventions

-   ICD Specific Education: knowledge of specific device mechanics, events
    that trigger shocks, and how to proceed when shocks occurs;
    occupational limitations; physical and sexual activity; driving; electro-
    magnetic interference

-   Telehealth: ICD specific and cardiac education via online networking

-   Relaxation and Stress Management (e.g. deep breathing; yoga)

-   Cognitive Restructuring (e.g. identifying automatic thoughts and developing
    alternate thoughts)

-   Social Support/Group Discussion

Assessment

-   Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS): assesses positive appraisal,
    body image concerns, device related distress, and ability to return to
    function,which are summed into a total acceptance score

-   Florida Shock Anxiety Survey (FSAS): higher scores reflect unique patient
    anxiety about the ability to cope with the impact of shock