Effect of a psychoeducational intervention on depression, anxiety, and health resource use in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients.

Background: Psychological responses have been reported for some patients after the insertion of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This study tested the effects of a psychoeducational intervention on anxiety, depressive symptoms, functional status, and health resource use during the first year after ICD implantation.

Methods: ICD patients (n = 246) were randomized to usual care (UC), group (GRP), or telephone counseling (TC) intervention that included education, symptom management, and coping skill training.

Nutrient intake in heart failure patients.

Background And Research Objective: Approximately 50% of heart failure (HF) patients are thought to be malnourished, and macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies may potentially aggravate HF symptoms. Thus, concerns have been raised about the overall nutrient composition of diets in HF populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the macronutrient and micronutrient intake by caloric adequacy among community-dwelling adults with HF.

Family education and support interventions in heart failure: a pilot study.

Background: Self-management of dietary sodium restriction by persons with heart failure (HF) is difficult and usually occurs within the home setting and within a family context.

Objective: To compare a patient and family education (EDUC) intervention with a combined education and family partnership intervention (EDUC + FPI) for effects on improving dietary sodium self-management in persons with HF.

Methods: Patients with HF and a family member (FM) were randomized to EDUC (n = 29 dyads) or EDUC + FPI (n = 32 dyads).

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator storm: nursing care issues for patients and families.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are being used for primary and secondary prevention of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and evidence suggests that increased use is likely in the future. ICD storm, the delivery of two or more shocks within 24 hours, occurs in 10% to 20% of patients who have ICDs and can have long-lasting psychological and physical consequences. An understanding of the factors associated with ICD storm, relevant assessment, and patient and family teaching and counseling can help clinicians to better meet the needs of patients who have experienced ICD storm.