Patient and Physician Survey Determinants of Appropriate ICD Utilization

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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 Description
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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.

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

Conditions
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Heart Failure, Systolic

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 18 years old Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% Previous diagnosis of heart failure with current NYHA Class II-III symptoms Established UMHS patient with at least two outpatient visits in the past two years to either Primary Care or Cardiology, OR, at least one inpatient admission in the past two years along with at least one outpatient visit within the past 13 months to Primary Care or Cardiology Exclusion Criteria: Patients having undergone heart transplantation Patients having undergone placement of a left ventricular assist device Patients with congenital heart disease

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| ICD placement<br>Those subjects who have an ICD. | |
| No ICD placement<br>Those subjects who have not had an ICD placed. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patient Determinants of Appropriate ICD Utilization | 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. | 1 year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physician Determinants of Appropriate ICD Utilization | 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. | 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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defibrillator, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, systolic heart failure, congestive heart failure, Ischemic cardiomyopathy, Nonischemic cardiomyopathy, ICD, ICD utilization, ICD implantation, defibrillator therapy, sudden cardiac death