Perceived benefits of patient support groups and their format for people with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Background: Support groups for people with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are widely used, however, it is not clear what people with ICDs gain from a support group or what format they should take. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to define the perceived benefit of ICD support groups and develop practical recommendations for group format. Methods: 14 individuals with ICDs were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Reflexive thematic analysis methods were utilised to code and analyse the transcripts before generating themes. Results: Four themes were defined: confronting mortality, coping through sharing, coping through learning, and providing space. Making connections with other people with ICDs, reassurance, access to information, and advice from health care professionals were important perceived benefits of the support group. Conclusion: People with ICDs may have to confront their own mortality and adapt to considerable life changes after implant. The findings from the present study have improved understanding of how support groups are perceived and how ICD indication and group format influence the experience. A blended format of in-person community meetings, online forums, HCP-led education and space for person-person interaction is recommended. Importantly, provision of support should not be time-limited to allow people to access it when it most likely to be of benefit to them.