Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shocks and Psychological Distress: Examining the Mediating Roles of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator-Related Concerns and Perceived Control.

Background: Although the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has a survival benefit for the prevention of sudden cardiac death, ICD recipients commonly experience emotional distress as a consequence of ICD shocks.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether the association between ICD shocks and psychological distress (anxiety and depressive symptoms) is mediated by ICD-related concerns and perceived control among ICD recipients.

Methods: This was a multinational cross-sectional observational study of 334 ICD recipients.

Perceived control and quality of life among recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Background: Perceived control is strongly associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with chronic conditions, and it is possible to increase perceived control with appropriate intervention. Little is known about the relationship between perceived control and HRQOL in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients.

Objectives: To determine the relationship of perceived control with quality of life in ICD recipients and to determine predictors of perceived control in this population.

Construct validity of the Heart Failure Screening Tool (Heart-FaST) to identify heart failure patients at risk of poor self-care: Rasch analysis.

Aim: The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the Heart Failure Screening Tool (Heart-FaST) via: (1) examination of internal construct validity; (2) testing of scale function in accordance with design; and (3) recommendation for change/s, if items are not well adjusted, to improve psychometric credential.

Background: Self-care is vital to the management of heart failure. The Heart-FaST may provide a prospective assessment of risk, regarding the likelihood that patients with heart failure will engage in self-care.

Ineffectiveness of commercial weight-loss programs for achieving modest but meaningful weight loss: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study collates existing evidence regarding weight loss among overweight but otherwise healthy adults who use commercial weight-loss programs. Systematic search of 3 databases identified 11 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies of commercial meal-replacement, calorie-counting, or pre-packaged meal programs which met inclusion criteria. In meta-analysis using intention-to-treat data, 57 percent of individuals who commenced a commercial weight program lost less than 5 percent of their initial body weight.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator knowledge and end-of-life device deactivation: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: End-of-life implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation discussions should commence before device implantation and be ongoing, yet many implantable cardioverter defibrillators remain active in patients' last days.

Aim: To examine associations among implantable cardioverter defibrillator knowledge, patient characteristics and attitudes to implantable cardioverter defibrillator deactivation.

Design: Cross-sectional survey using the Experiences, Attitudes and Knowledge of End-of-Life Issues in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients Questionnaire.

Psychosocial Interventions for Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are common amongst individuals with chronic kidney disease and are known to affect quality of life adversely. Psychosocial interventions have been shown to decrease depressive and anxiety symptoms in various chronic diseases, but few studies have examined their efficacy in people with chronic kidney disease and no meta-analysis has been published. Thus, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as quality of life in individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and/or their carers.

Introduction of a drug-detection dog programme in mental health inpatient units: A mixed-methods study of consumer, staff, and carers' perceptions.

Many consumers admitted to mental health inpatient units also use illicit drugs, and some continue to do so while receiving treatment. In an attempt to curb the impact of illicit drug use, one of Australia's largest mental health services introduced a programme of drug-detection dog (DDD) searches. Our aim was to evaluate perceptions of the DDD programme among mental health consumers, staff, and carers.