Exploring the experiences of individuals with an insertable cardiac monitor: Making the decision for device insertion.
Heart Lung 2019;
49:86-91. [PMID:
31399224 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrtlng.2019.07.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the decision-making process for insertable cardiac monitors (ICM) in those with suspected arrhythmias.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe how individuals make a decision to insert an ICM.
METHODS
A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison. NVivo 10 was used for data grouping and patterns.
RESULTS
Participants (N = 12) ranged in age from 41to 95. Most (n = 7) had the device inserted because of syncope or atrial fibrillation (AF), and others (n = 5) for cryptogenic stroke. Three categories emerged: pre-decision, definitive decision, and deliberated decision. Event symptoms, including physical, cognitive and emotional, and trust emerged as factors in decision-making.
CONCLUSIONS
Those who perceived their experience as life-threatening, trusted the healthcare provider and assented to the ICM insertion. Conversely, those who perceived symptoms as episodic, used other strategies to resolve symptoms prior to making the decision for insertion.
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