Clinical Trial: Patient and Physician Survey Determinants of Appropriate ICD Utilization

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Patient and Physician Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Defibrillator Therapy Survey Study

Brief Summary: To better understand the reasons for underutilization of defibrillator therapy in selected populations, the investigators propose a study to assess heart failure patient knowledge and attitudes toward device therapy. By carefully studying populations of patients with systolic heart failure, the investigators aim to identify the underlying reasons for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) non-utilization in patients with symptomatic systolic heart failure.

Detailed Summary: Several multi-center randomized trials have demonstrated the benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death among patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Guideline documents for the treatment of heart failure have recommended defibrillator placement for patients with symptomatic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%. Despite these recommendations, observational studies have documented low ICD utilization among patients with heart failure. Recent studies have demonstrated patient specific characteristics that are associated with low ICD utilization (advanced age, female gender, black race, heart failure etiology, uninsured patients and patients cared for by general practitioners). Whether patient knowledge or attitudes regarding defibrillator therapy influence the rate of defibrillator placement is unknown. By carefully surveying populations of patients with systolic heart failure, we aim to further the understanding of the patient factors that determine why an ICD may or may not be used in the appropriate clinical setting. Additionally, 150 physicians will be enrolled into the study for the purpose of measuring attitudes and beliefs regarding defibrillator treatment for the physicians providing care to the patients in the study.
Sponsor: Todd M Koelling, MD

Current Primary Outcome: Patient Determinants of Appropriate ICD Utilization [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

Specifically, we will assess patients for knowledge deficits regarding the clinical effects of ICD therapy. We will assess patients for their opinions regarding their risk of death, and whether they are willing to trade time to avoid discomfort of their illness or ICD shocks. We will ask patients about their thoughts about financial concerns regarding ICD therapy and their trust in technology, their physician and the medical system. We will also ask patients about their opinions regarding cosmetic issues created by ICD placement.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Physician Determinants of Appropriate ICD Utilization [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

Measure physician knowledge and attitudes regarding defibrillator therapy for the physicians providing care to the patients in the study and assess the relationship between these measures and appropriate defibrillator utilization. We will assess physicians understanding of ICD clinical effects, costs, and risks of complications.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Michigan

Dates:
Date Received: January 17, 2012
Date Started: August 2011
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 15, 2017
Last Verified: March 2017