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  • Title: Long-term quality of life and uncertainty in patients living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
    Author: Flemme I, Edvardsson N, Hinic H, Jinhage BM, Dalman M, Fridlund B.
    Journal: Heart Lung; 2005; 34(6):386-92. PubMed ID: 16324957.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: This study describes the quality of life (QOL) and uncertainty in patients who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and predicts QOL at long-term follow-up. METHODS: Long-term follow-up was defined as 6.9 years +/- 1 year (range 4.11-8.7 years). QOL was measured with the Quality of Life Index, and uncertainty was measured with the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale. RESULTS: The overall QOL and health/functioning were unchanged over time. QOL in the socioeconomic (P = .002) and psychologic/spiritual domains (P = .012) decreased in the first year. From baseline to long-term follow-up, the QOL in the family domain (P = .011) and uncertainty (P = .002) decreased. Uncertainty was a predictor of low QOL. CONCLUSION: QOL was reasonably good 6.9 years post-ICD implantation. Patients felt less uncertain once they had passed the first year of their illness.
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