The impacts of Peer Support on Quality of Life and Self-Care in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Electronic Devices: protocol for a controlled trial

Background Cardiovascular diseases including cardiac dysrhythmia pose significant health burdens globally. Cardiac dysrhythmia often necessitates the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) for treatment. However, post-implantation, patients are exposed to various challenges, including physical limitations, financial strain, and psychosocial distress, influencing their quality of life (QOL). Studies indicate a lack of knowledge and self-care support among CIED patients post-implantation. Peer support, characterized by positive experiential sharing among patients, has proven effective in enhancing self-care and QOL in various chronic diseases. Nurses, crucial in healthcare delivery, can facilitate peer support programs to improve patient outcomes. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the impact of peer support on the QOL and self-care of CIED patients. Methods and analysis This study is a double-arm, parallel-group controlled trial comparing a 4-week peer support intervention with usual care, followed by 8 weeks of follow-up. 60 eligible CIED candidates will be non-randomly assigned to either group. A total of 60 eligible patients who are candidates for implanting CIED will be recruited and assigned non-randomly to the intervention or control group. During a 2-hour workshop, 3 peers with implanted devices and at least 6 months elapsed will be educated. Primary outcomes, QOL, and self-care will be measured using the CIED-specific Quality of Life and Related Events questionnaire and the Miller self-care questionnaire at baseline, 4th, and 8th weeks post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and parametric tests, including Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-tests, chi-square tests, and non-parametric tests like Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with SPSS version 16. Discussion Research shows peer support interventions can improve outcomes for patients with implantable cardiac electronic devices (CIED), but their impact on quality of life and self-care is uncertain. This non-randomized trial will evaluate peer support's effectiveness in these areas. Strengths include an evidence-based approach, comprehensive evaluation, rigorous methodology, and collaboration with healthcare providers. Peer support could complement medical treatments and enhance patient care if proven effective. Trial registration number Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20190913044760N3) Registration date: 2024-02-04(https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/74476)