Patient ICD support groups

Abstract

Patients with implantable cardiovertor defibrillators (ICD) have to live with the fear of shock therapy and/or sudden death. These have to be balanced against the mortality benefit that the ICD provides. A persons' ability to cope and adjust positively to such a life changing circumstance is multifactorial. Support groups for patients with cardiac devices such as ICDs have progressed slowly. They have evolved from the concept of self-sought support and meeting of others who have experienced similar life events or ill health. They offer empathy, advice and comfort outside the patient's immediate family. Researchers have identified positive trends for their use. Cardiac charities often provide financial support for the introduction and cataloguing of the support groups which raises awareness of their availability and uptake.