Patient-centred care of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and risk of sudden cardiac death: What do the 2015 European Society of Cardiology guidelines add?

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2017 Oct;16(7):558-564. doi: 10.1177/1474515117702558. Epub 2017 Apr 4.

Abstract

Nurses and allied professionals are at the forefront of care delivery in patients with arrythmogenic risk and have a responsibility to deliver care that is focused on their individual needs. The 2015 European Society of Cardiology guideline on prevention of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death heralds a step-change in patient and family focus and interdisciplinary involvement. This development reflects a recognition within the European Society of Cardiology that chronic care of patients with cardiovascular conditions can be improved by involving all stakeholders, making use of multidisciplinary interventions, and placing the patient at the centre of the care process. In this article, taskforce contributors discuss the latest evidence and highlight some of the most pertinent issues for nurses involved in patient-centred care of patients and families with ventricular arrhythmias and/or risk of sudden death.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; guideline; patient-centred.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy*
  • Cardiology / standards*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control*
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient-Centered Care / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*