Date of Award

May 2023

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Julia Snethen

Committee Members

Julie Ellis, Colleen Galambos, Murad Taani, Vipavee Thongpriwan

Keywords

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, Psychosocial Well-Being, Social facilitation, Uncertainty

Abstract

Background: An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is an effective intervention for individuals at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Uncertainty and lack of support impacts acceptance and adjustment to living with an ICD. The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations between uncertainty and social facilitation with the psychosocial well-being of adults living with an ICD. Methods: This study employed a quantitative exploratory-descriptive design with a convenience sample of participants (N=100). A 91-item survey was distributed virtually. The instruments included a patient characteristics questionnaire and the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS) to measure uncertainty, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure social facilitation, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB) to measure psychosocial well-being. Results: Psychosocial well-being was predicted by ICD shocks (B = -7.48, p = .004), reason for implant (B = 12.43, p = .05), device-related distress (B =.61, p = <.001), return to life (B = .68, p = <.001), overall ICD acceptance (B =.91, p = <.001), and social facilitation (B = 14.20, p = <.001). Age significantly predicted psychosocial well-being, but gender was not significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of identifying factors that influence psychosocial well-being for individuals living with an ICD. A biopsychosocial approach to care provision is needed to support adjustment to the device. Further research is needed on the psychological impact of living with an ICD.

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