Patients’ decision making to accept or decline an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death

BACKGROUND: Patients are offered implantable defibrillators (ICDs) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, patients' decision-making process (DMP) of whether or not to accept an ICD has not been explored. We asked patients about their decision making when offered an ICD. DESIGN/SETTING: A grounded theory methodology was employed. Patients were recruited from three ICD centres. Those who received an ICD underwent interviews …