Beyond the Device: Comprehensive Care of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients

Faculty

Needs Statement

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has emerged from clinical trials as “the treatment of choice” vs. medications alone for potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias. However, cardiac illness and device based care, such as ICDs, may prompt symptoms of anxiety and depression. The inter-relationship between psychological and physical health will be reviewed and specific strategies for managing the impact of ICD shocks on patient quality of life will be presented.

Target Audience

This activity was planned to meet the educational needs of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers and other healthcare professionals.

Objectives

• Assess the inter relationship research between arrhythmias and psychological health
• Prescribe three specific strategies for managing the impact of cardiac disease and device based care on patient quality of life (QOL)
• Recognize at risk groups for psychological difficulties in ICD patients

Accreditation

CNE

UNT Health Science Center is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # 16274. This activity is approved for 1.20 Contact Hours.

TSBSWE

This activity is approved for a maximum of 1.00 Clock Hours for Social Workers.

Physicians

The University of North Texas Health Science Center is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to award continuing medical education to physicians.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center has requested that the AOA Council on Continuing Medical Education approve this program for 1.00 hour of AOA Category 2A CME credits. Approval is currently pending.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

ACGME Competencies

• Medical knowledge

IOM Competencies

• Provide patient-centered care
• Employ evidence-based practice

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Sears discloses he is President and Founder of QCL Apps, Inc. Dr. Sears has received research funding from Medtronic and is a consultant to Medtronic and St. Jude Medical. Dr. Sears also has received speaker honorarium from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, St Jude Medical, and Zoll Medical in the past 12 months.

The UNTHSC Professional and Continuing Education staff have nothing to dislcose.

Acknowledgement

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC).

The activity was supported by PACE - General.