Psychological and social impacts of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the home

SummaryBackgroundThe majority of cardiac arrests occur in the home. The placement of AEDs in the homes of at-risk patients may save lives through early defibrillation. However, the impact of having an AED in the home on psychological outcomes and quality-of-life is unknown.ObjectiveThe purpose of this research was to determine whether training in the use of and possessing an automated external defibrillator (AED) has an effect on a patient at risk's quality of life.MethodsWe investigated the psychological consequences of AED training and possession of such a device for patients who recently experienced an acute ischemic event. One hundred fifty eight patients and their family members were assigned at random to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training (N = 66) or AED/CPR training and possession of the device after training (N = 92). We measured quality of life using the Short-Form (SF-36) survey and a 9-item survey we developed specifically for this study to measure differences in social activities and worries about being left alone. Participants answered these questions at enrollment, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 3 months after enrollment.ResultsPatients in the AED group reported lower (worse) scores on most SF-36 subscales at all periods, particularly in those subscales relating to social functioning. The differences were most often small and probably not clinically meaningful. The social activities/worry scales also favored the CPR group at all periods, but with no significant differences.ConclusionsPhysicians counselling patients about AEDs should be aware of the potential effects the device may have on a patient's social functioning.