Assessment of patients' perception of the use of an implantable cardiac electronic device.

OBJECTIVES: to assess patients' perceptions after pacemaker implantation. METHODS: a descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a university hospital in the countryside of São Paulo, with a consecutive and non-probabilistic sample of adult patients with pacemakers. A questionnaire was used to assess patients' perceptions of pacemakers, with data analysis obtained by simple frequency and percentage of responses. RESULTS: of the 76 patients interviewed, the majority were female, had a partner, were inactive, had low levels of education and family income, with an average age of 68.3 years. The main reason for implant recommendation was complete atrioventricular block. Most (73.7%) reported no feelings of physical impairment, nor did they feel depressed or anxious. They also reported no changes in body image, daily activities, or leisure activities. Furthermore, they demonstrated a high level of confidence regarding the device use (61.8%). CONCLUSIONS: patients positively assessed the use of pacemakers.