Family follow-up for children with implantable defibrillators and the role of nurse in patient/ family education

 This study was conducted to assess family follow-up for children with implantable defibrillators and the role of nurse in patient/ family education

 Implantable defibrillators are devices with the capability of rhythm detection and anti-arrhythmia therapy. The proper functioning of these devices highly depends on regular interrogation, analysis, and programming.

 This descriptive comparative study was conducted based on the hospital information system (HIS) of Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. All children under 15 years of age, for whom the defibrillator device had been implanted or followed by the first author, from 2009 to 2020, were included. Continuation of follow-up was compared according to age, gender, underlying disease, area of residence, and type of family education. Data were analyzed in SPSS-24 using descriptive and inferential statistics. 

 Sixty-seven implantations had been done for 61 patients. The mean and standard deviation of patients’ age was 9.58±3.72 years (aged 1 to 15 years). The rate of follow-up continuation was significantly reduced during the follow-up period. Ninety-four percent of patients had been visited for the first post-implantation appointment; this rate decreased to 43.6 percent for the 5th year post-implantation visit (p≤0.0001). Follow-up continuation was 71.13 percent with old-type family education compared to 89.64 percent with the new-type one (p=0.002).

 Considering the high-risk situation, follow-up continuing is less than those desired for children with defibrillator devices. Family education by interactive methods plays an important role in encouraging the families to regular follow-up.