Uncertainty and quality of life of adults hospitalized with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Advances in the management of ventricular arrhythmias have improved patient survival, but not the uncertainty faced by those living with these arrhythmias. Managing the uncertainty in illness is considered essential to the maintenance of well-being and, therefore, quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between uncertainty and quality of life for adults with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias. Using a descriptive correlational design, 22 adults hospitalized with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias completed questionnaires prior to discharge from the hospital. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, the Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version, and a single item self-rating scale for amount of worry. Results from the study indicated that greater quality of life for the health and functioning domain was significantly correlated with lower overall uncertainty and less ambiguity. Greater worry about the arrhythmia was associated with increased uncertainty and ambiguity, and poorer quality of life for the health and functioning domain. The results provide support for the aversive nature and negative impact of uncertainty on quality of life for patients with ventricular arrhythmias. Conclusions address clinical and research implications of these findings.