Observations of a support group for automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients and their spouses.

We studied the use of an 8-week group support intervention with recipients of automatic inplantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs) and evaluated the effect of this treatment on both patients and spouses. Patients attending the Rhode Island Hospital Arrhythmia Clinic formed the study population. Six patients and their spouses formed the treatment group. Six patients living a distance (greater than 25 miles) from the hospital who were not able to attend the sessions formed a natural comparison group. Outcome was reported by a descriptive analysis of the group experience and assessment of changes in role functioning and psychologic adaptation after the intervention. Study results supported our hypothesis that group therapy was an effective treatment modality in promoting positive adjustment of patients to the AICD device. Furthermore, trends emerged suggesting positive shifts in both role functioning and psychologic adjustment in patients attending group sessions. These findings suggest that group therapy is a useful method of providing support and education for individuals receiving the AICD device.