176-53: Patient awareness of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator-therapy when the end is near

Introduction: Patients with active Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) are at risk for painful shocks in the last hours of life. This study aims to asses patients' awareness levels on the issue of ICD-tachytherapy deactivation at the end of life in a general ICD population. Methods: During a biannual patient-educational symposium in October 2015, questionnaires were distributed amongst participating patients. ICD-patients from Leiden University Medical Center and affiliated hospitals were invited to attend the symposium. The questionnaires consisted of items on patient knowledge of ICD-therapy at the end of life, available educational material and consultations with physicians. Results of patients' questionnaires Conclusion: Patients' awareness of possible ICD shocks at the end of life is reasonable, but still needs improvement. Personal discussion on this matter with cardiologist and ICD-nurse remains limited. Caregivers should address this important topic systematically in order to avoid stress and shocks in the last hours of life, as part of advance care planning.