Abstract 16559: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Recipient’s Perceptions of Healthcare Provider’s Discussions Related to Device Therapy

Introduction: Healthcare providers are challenged to have in-depth discussions related to deactivation and illness trajectory with ICD recipients. However, these discussions may be perceived differently after the ICD recipient has had a shock event from the device. Purpose: To examine the association between ICD shock experience and discussion about deactivation and illness trajectory. Methods: A total of 190 ICD recipients (74% male, mean age 61.5 years of age ± 13.5; range 20-89 years old) from US (n=144) and Australia (n= 46) completed a cross sectional survey. Inclusion criteria required ICD device implantation for greater than one year. Odds ratio was used to examine the association between those patients who received ICD shocks or not and the discussion perceptions with healthcare providers about deactivation and illness trajectory. Chi square was used to compare the differences between the samples from the US and Australia and to calculate risk ratios. Results: Fifty eight percent of participants w...