Internet-based Intervention in Cardioverter-defibrillator Patients to Enhance Quality of Life

WEB-based Distress Management Program for Implantable CARdioverter dEfibrillator Patients (WEBCARE) Trial

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is generally well-accepted by patients, but a subgroup experiences increased anxiety and poor quality of life. A web-based behavioral intervention may comprise a novel approach to reduce anxiety and enhance well-being in ICD patients, which may be equally effective and have advantages over more traditional forms of therapy, due to its low-threshold accessibility via the internet.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients receiving a behavioral intervention via the internet experience less anxiety and device concerns and improved quality of life compared to patients receiving usual care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
• between 18-75 years of age
• speaking and understanding Dutch
• with access to the internet and ability to use the internet
• providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• a life expectancy less than 1 year
• a history of psychiatric illness other than affective/anxiety disorders
• on the waiting list for heart transplantation
• with insufficient knowledge of the Dutch language