The Effect of Continuous Care Program on the Self-Efficacy of Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Randomized Control Trial

BACKGROUND: The majority of cardiac disorders resulting from ventricular dysrhythmias are fatal. The Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is one of the most common treatments of ventricular dysrhythmias. Despite the benefits of ICD in preserving life, patients with ICD experience adverse physical, psychological, and social consequences. This study investigated the effects of the continuous care program on self-efficacy in patients with ICD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a randomized clinical trial. Based on the inclusion criteria, 80 patients attending an educational cardiovascular center in Tehran during 2017–2018, were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups (40 in each). The intervention included the continuous care program, an educational session, and a follow-up program undertaken for the patients receiving the ICD. The control group received routine care. Self-efficacy was then measured by ICD (SE-ICD and OE-ICD) questionnaires and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The results showed no difference between the two groups before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the mean self-efficacy score between the two groups after the intervention, being significantly higher in the intervention group (t(77) = 4.9, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that providing a continuous care program can increase self-efficacy in patients with ICD and can be used as an effective model in the nursing care of patients with ICD.