HOW DO PATIENTS EXPERIENCE MODERN PACEMAK ER THERAPY .1. THE IMPLANTATION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the patient's subjective experien ce of a pacemaker implantation. We questioned 48 patients in a multice nter study. 95% of the patients agreed with the operation quickly afte r the indication had been made, its risk mostly was judged as low. The knowledge about the underlying disease, the operation and the pacemak er therapy was sketchy in one third of the patients. Before, during an d after the implantation a quarter of the patients suffered from anxie ty, these persons were especially stressed by the procedure. After the implantation the pacemaker was immediately integrated into the body s cheme by 48% of the patients. They rarely reported of discomfort or pa in. Significant factors which influenced the post-operative condition were anxiety, the judging of the preparation of the operation and of t he post-operative treatment as well as the possibility to talk to some one about the intervention. For most of the patients a pacemaker impla ntation is a minor event. However, patients who report of anxiety shou ld receive a special care.