Abstract
BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D) are lifesaving treatments for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. Effective physician-patient communication during the shared decision-making process is essential. Electrophysiologist-patient conversations were targeted to obtain objective data on the interaction, understand the conversation framework, and uncover opportunities for improved communication. METHODS: Individuals previously identified as requiring an ICD/CRT-D but declined implantation were recruited for this four-stage interview and survey-based study. Quantitative analysis of surveys and AI analysis of conversation videos was conducted to evaluate patient participant expectations, analyze feedback about the conversations with study physicians, and gauge willingness for device implantation. RESULTS: The study included 27 patients (mean age 51 years, 51.9% female) and 9 study physicians. Patients were significantly more willing to undergo ICD/CRT-D implantation after conversing with study physicians compared to their own physicians and pre-conversation surveys (mean scores: 5.0, 3.1, and 4.4 out of 7, respectively; p < 0.001). Patient participants had higher satisfaction with the study conversation, rating study physicians higher in effectiveness of explanations, responsiveness to questions, and overall quality of the conversation compared to their own physicians (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients who previously declined ICD/CRT-D implantation, patient satisfaction and willingness to undergo implantation of a guideline-directed device therapy increased significantly following a structured conversation with study physicians. Identified key elements could be integrated into user-friendly tools and educational materials to facilitate these conversations, improving patient engagement with the decision-making process and enhancing informed acceptance of indicated device therapies.