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A CNS-facilitated ICD support group: a clinical project evaluation
Suzanne S Dickerson1, Yow-Wu B Wu, Mary C Kennedy
1University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, USA. sdickers@buffalo.edu
Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS
|May 18, 2006
Summary
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)-facilitated support groups for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients showed no difference in quality of life (QLI). Attendance was linked to factors like CNS visits and education, but QLI was only correlated with comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nursing Support Groups
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing cardiac conditions.
- Patients with ICDs may benefit from specialized support systems.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) roles can extend to patient support initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a CNS-facilitated support group for ICD recipients.
- To compare demographic and clinical factors between attendees and non-attendees.
- To assess the impact of the support group on Quality of Life Index (QLI).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of ICD recipients over 10 years.
- Utilized Ferrans and Powers' Quality of Life Index: Cardiac Version.
- Compared attendees and non-attendees based on attendance records.
Main Results:
- Attendance positively correlated with CNS hospitalization visits, perceived support value, education, and ejection fraction.
- No significant differences in total QLI or subscale scores between attendees and non-attendees.
- Comorbidity was the sole clinical factor significantly correlated with QLI.
Conclusions:
- CNS-facilitated support groups offer a valuable addition to patient care.
- Current evaluation design limitations hindered outcome measurement.
- Prospective studies are recommended to ascertain the support group's effect on quality of life.
