55 Minimise the risk of complications occurring both from in-
appropriate therapy delivered to the patient and those associated
with wound and pocket infection.^1
66 Anticipate the elective replacement of the device and plan for
this eventuality.
77 Provide a support structure for the patient and their family
including advice, counselling and education. Some centres
provide a formal patient support group; there are both positive
and negative views on this practice.2,3
RReeffeerreenncceess
1 Troup P, Chapman P, Wetherbee J et al. Clinical features of AICD
system infections. Circulation1988; 7788 :155.
2 Badger JM, Morris PLP. Observations of a support group for automatic
implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients and their spouses.
Heart Lung1989; 1188 : 238–43.
3 Teplitz L, Egenes KJ, Brask L. Life after sudden death: the
development of a support group for automatic implantable
cardioverter defibrillator patients. J Cardiovasc Nurs 1990; 44 : 20–32.