Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have become standard therapy for people considered at high risk for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. While acceptance for the device is generally high among patients and families, quality of life and psychosocial issues deserve greater attention to improve outcomes. A description of psychosocial issues, their ramifications, and theoretically based and evidenced-based approaches to improving outcomes are discussed in the article.

Sandra Dunbar’s study will be published in its entirety in the July 2005 issue of the Journal.

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