Project Title

How can caregivers of patients with heart failure and an implantable cardiac device (ICD) be more effectively involved in deactivation discussions and decision-making?

Research Focus

Caregivers, palliative discussions, ICD deactivation

Funder & Dates

DfE, Commenced 2021

Principal Investigator or Primary Supervisor

Dr Loreena Hill

Co-Investigators or additional supervisors

Prof Donna Fitzsimons

Dr Peter O’Halloran

Research Fellow(s) or PhD Student

Sophie Matthews

Name and Institution of Collaborators

Belfast health & Social Care Trust

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Description of Project:

Aim; Methods; Expected Outcomes

Mixed methods study aiming to explore the contribution of caregivers in the palliative discussions between patients and health care professionals, with specific focus on the management of the patient’s ICD.

Systematic literature review, qualitative interviews and a retrospective case note review will examine caregivers’ expectations, needs and what happens in the real world context. Results will be presented at an interactive workshop with key stakeholders to consider the findings and produce recommendations for more effective involvement.