The lived experience of patients with a cardiac resynchronisation therapeutic device : an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Background: Sudden Cardiac Death risk has been substantially subsided with the implantation of the Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapeutic Defibrillator however a deficiency in research can be noted in the local Maltese community with regards to literature related to the lived experience of such patients. Objectives: To explore, how Maltese individuals, experience, living with an implantable Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapeutic Defibrillator device, and to investigate what it means to live with an implantable Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapeutic Defibrillator device in Malta Design: A Qualitative design was chosen guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Setting: The study was conducted in Cardiac Catheterisation Suite within the local general hospital. Participant: Ten individuals, 6 male and 5 female, living with a Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapeutic Defibrillator with shock experience were recruited on a voluntary basis. Methodology: Purposive sampling with face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions, from October 2017 to January 2018, were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four Super-ordinate themes were reached that have provided a complete picture of the participants’ lived experience. Such themes included, ‘Betrayed by my Heart whilst journeying with a Life-Saving Device’, ‘A Windstorm of Emotions - Negative impact of the device’, ‘My Guardian Angel - Positive Impact of the device’, and ‘The Essence of Patient Empowerment and Support’. Conclusion: Recommendations from this study include the formation of the Arrhythmia Nurse specialised role, changes in the battery change procedure, integrating a psychologist to the team, widespread education to the patients, families, health care professionals and public awareness and encouraging patient empowerment in the process.