Assessment of patients' perception of the use of an implantable cardiac electronic device.

OBJECTIVES

to assess patients' perceptions after pacemaker implantation.

METHODS

a descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a university hospital in the countryside of São Paulo, with a consecutive and non-probabilistic sample of adult patients with pacemakers. A questionnaire was used to assess patients' perceptions of pacemakers, with data analysis obtained by simple frequency and percentage of responses.

RESULTS

of the 76 patients interviewed, the majority were female, had a partner, were inactive, had low levels of education and family income, with an average age of 68.3 years. The main reason for implant recommendation was complete atrioventricular block. Most (73.7%) reported no feelings of physical impairment, nor did they feel depressed or anxious. They also reported no changes in body image, daily activities, or leisure activities. Furthermore, they demonstrated a high level of confidence regarding the device use (61.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

patients positively assessed the use of pacemakers.