1. 'Those Plates That Save Me': Experiences of Italian Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
- Author
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Francesca Bombardieri, Daniele Steri, Ivana Maria Rosi, Stefania Rancati, and Mimma Sternativo
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,030504 nursing ,medicine.medical_treatment ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Sample (statistics) ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Feeling ,Family medicine ,medicine ,0305 other medical science ,Psychology ,General Nursing ,media_common ,Qualitative research - Abstract
This study aimed to investigate and understand the experiences and feelings lived by people with an ICD. Qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 16 patients, during the annual follow-up. A hermeneutical analysis of the interviews was carried out to identify the themes. Four main themes were classified: “My heart falls asleep,” highlighting a reduced awareness of the pathology and ICD installation; “But what is this thing. . .?” underlining the lack of information and fears related to the device and its functioning; “I cannot hug the microwave” which describes the changes brought about by the surgery; “And with this one I am alright for the rest of my life”, involving hopes and life expectations. This study highlighted the patients’ need for major support from health professionals while processing their new life conditions.
- Published
- 2020
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