Patient perspectives on the need for implanted device information: Implications for a post-procedural communication framework

Abstract

Background: Shared decision making and patient-centred communication have become part of pre-procedural decisions and perioperative care across medical specialties. However, gaps exist in patient communication about the implanted device received and the benefits in sharing information about their procedure and device.

Objective: To understand the patients' knowledge of identifying information for their implanted devices and perspectives on sharing their implanted device information.

Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with patients who had received a cardiac or vascular implanted device from one of the study sites within the previous 6 months. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results: Five themes emerged: lack of awareness of identifying information on implanted devices; value of information on implanted devices; varying trust with sharing device information; perceived risk with sharing device information; and lack of consensus on a systematic process for tracking implanted devices.

Discussion: Patients desire post-procedural information on their implanted device and a designated plan for longitudinal follow-up, but lack trust and perceive risk with broadly sharing their implanted device information.

Conclusion: After receiving an implanted device, post-procedural patient communication needs to be expanded to include identifying information on the device including the unique device identifier, how long-term tracking will be supported and the process for notification in case of a problem with the device. This communication should also include education on how sharing device information supports patients' long-term health care, post-market safety surveillance and research.

Patient or public contribution: The research team included members who were also patients with implanted devices.

Keywords: implanted devices; patient perspective; patient-centered communication; post-procedural communication; shared decision making; unique device identifier.