Measurement of patient fears about implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock: an initial evaluation of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale.

Background: Psychological distress is both a precipitant and a consequence of ICD shock. Therefore, the assessment of patient anxiety and concerns related to receiving an ICD shock may prompt appropriate psychological referrals and treatment.

Methods: The purpose of this study is to assess the initial validity and clinical utility of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS). Seventy-two ICD recipients completed the FSAS.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with items loading such that Factor 1 could be conceptualized as a Consequence Factor (e.g., fearing creating a scene if the device were to fire) and Factor 2 as a Trigger Factor (e.g., fearing sexual activity). Alpha coefficients suggest good reliability (Cronbach's alpha= 0.91, split-half = 0.92), and FSAS Total Score was moderately correlated (r =-0.65) with total score on the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale.

Conclusions: Two subscales, labeled consequence of shock and trigger of shock, were established via factor analysis. Collectively the FSAS demonstrates potential utility to assess shock distress and warrants additional investigation.