TY - JOUR T1 - Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) functionality: patient and family information for advanced decision-making JF - BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care JO - BMJ Support Palliat Care DO - 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001835 SP - bmjspcare-2019-001835 AU - Loreena Michelle Hill AU - Sonja McIlfatrick AU - Brian Taylor AU - Lana Dixon AU - Donna Fitzsimons Y1 - 2019/11/26 UR - http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2019/11/26/bmjspcare-2019-001835.abstract N2 - As the number of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted continues to rise, there is a growing challenge to ensure patients and family members are adequately equipped for involvement in future end-of-life decisions concerning their device.Objective To explore patients’, family members’ and professionals’ attitudes and understanding towards discussing ICD deactivation.Methods Case study approach using qualitative interviews and framework analysis. A total of 29 qualitative interviews were undertaken, involving patients with a device, family members and healthcare professionals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. Data were triangulated with information obtained from the patients’ medical records (n=10).Results Three main themes: (1) Professionals were reluctant to engage in conversations concerning deactivation, particularly prior to implantation, believing this was in the patient’s best interest. (2) Patients and family members had limited understanding of the implanted device and its functions. It was frequently perceived as ‘life-saving’ with any negativity of the shock experience seen as acceptable. (3) All patients wanted the opportunity to discuss deactivation when death was imminent, but were indecisive whether family members should be involved. Similarly, some patients felt the decision to deactivate rested solely with the medical profession while others felt it should be a joint decision between patient, family and clinical team.Conclusions Patients and family members require improved communication and information concerning their future treatment plan and functionality of an ICD. A proactive approach to discuss deactivation would enable shared clinical decision-making in the advanced stages of illness. ER -