[Psychosocial needs of patients carrying an implantable defibrillator]

Implantable defibrillators have created a new cardiac population. But with that population come particular needs. Eighty-five per cent of patients with implantable defibrillators experience significant fears and worries. Many of them fear the first shock or worry about the device's reliability. Others wonder if they will be able to remain in their current occupation. Despite these worries and others, 60 per cent of patients state being satisfied with the device. On the other hand, 53 per cent of these patients' spouses still fear the defibrillators. The authors of this article underline that nurses must learn to intervene appropriately to meet their patients' physical, learning and psychosocial needs. The nurse's responsibilities are to help patients identify their social support system and mobilize their resources, and to help family members in meeting patients' needs.