Experience of elderly Spanish men with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Aim: An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is the treatment of choice for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Clinical trials and qualitative studies normally exclude elderly patients. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of elderly Spanish men with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Methods: This was a qualitative phenomenological study. Sampling was purposeful and used the snowball technique. Unstructured interviews and recipients' personal accounts were collected. Data collection finished with information saturation. Analysis was performed using the Giorgi proposal with triangulation between research-team members. Data were audited by an external researcher. Results: The change and the need to adapt to the new situation can be perceived as a loss of independence by the elderly. The significance of the partner in the Spanish context is particularly relevant during the narration. Also, their view of the world is transformed, they experience an internal change. Additionally, the elderly patient may become confined to their home and shut off from their surroundings, accompanied by a sensation of being "stuck" and "imprisoned" by their own process. Conclusion: Elderly recipients can end up "clinging on" to customs as they are felt to define the recipient's identity and utility within their social and personal context. Their partner is of huge significance for elderly recipients. The geriatric health personnel must contribute to promote and maintain activities of daily living in elderly. Future qualitative studies taking an in-depth look at the experience and readjustment process of elderly recipients and the relationship among older people and technological equipment should be further conducted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 320-327.