PATIENTS' PERCEPTIONS ABOUT LIVING WITH PERMANENT CARDIAC PACEMAKERS
Athanasia Tsami, Theoni Theoni, Aggeliki Mamoureli, Stauroula Staikoglou, Aggeliki Papadopoulou
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Publication year:
2018
Authors:
- Tsami Athanasia, RN, MSc, University General Hospital of Athens “Laiko"
- Theoni Theoni, RN, MSc, Director of Νursing Services, University General Hospital of Athens “Laiko"
- Mamoureli Aggeliki, Nurse, MSc, Attikon Hospital, Athens
- Staikoglou Stauroula, Head Nurse in Pathological Nursing Sector, University General Hospital of Athens “Laiko"
- Papadopoulou Aggeliki, Head Nurse in Cardiology Department, University General Hospital of Athens “Laiko"
Keywords index:
Pages: 145-151
Abstract:
Nurses play an increasingly prominent role in cardiac pacing during both the inpatient and the outpatient phases of care and they may foster positive attitude to this implanted device. Aim: of this research was to explore perceptions of patients living with a permanent cardiac pacemaker dual-chamber (PMs-DDD) aged over 60 years.Material and Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 50 patients with permanent cardiac pacemaker dual-chamber (PMs-DDD) with age ≥ 60 years old. Data was collected by the method of interview using a questionnaire created by researchers to explore patients' perceptions after PMs-DDD implantation. Results:Of the 50 pacemakers recipients enrolled in the study, 35 were men. In terms of demographic characteristics, 33(66.0%) of participants was 60-70 years old, 35(70.0%) had primary education and 26(52.0%) was married. In terms of clinical characteristics in 31(64.6%) co-existed other disease.With respect to patients' perceptions post implantation, it was showed that 31(62.0%) was "enough" informed about the state of their health, 40(80.0%) checked periodically the pacemaker, 29(58.0%) declared that quality of life had improved, 21(42.0%) experienced anxiety about possible malfunction of the device, and 39(78.0%) carried the pacemaker ID card. Finally, 41(82.0%) believed to depend on the device, and 31(62.0%) reported that family supported them to adjust living with permanent pacemaker. Conclusion:The present findings provide insight into patients' perceptions post implantation and may be fundamental when developing interventions that address the needs of people living with permanent cardiac pacemaker.
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