The effect of web-based education applied to patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) on shock anxiety level and quality of life

Aim: To assess the validity and reliability of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) for the Turkish society and to examine the effect of web-based education applied to patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) on shock anxiety level and quality of life. Method: This study was composed of two stages with methodological and randomized controlled study parts. In methodological study, data were collected from 115 ICD patients for validity and reliability study of FSAS. Randomized controlled study was carried out with 76 patients as intervention (n:39) and control (n:37) groups. The intervention group was applied to web-based education structured according to Social Cognitive Learning Theory of Bandura. Data were collected pre-intervention and on 3rd and 6th months. Data were analyzed using χ2 analysis, t test, and multi-way analysis of variance on repeated measurements. Results: It has been determined that Turkish form of FSAS is a valid and reliable measuring tool, Cronbach alfa value is 0.83 and it is appropriate to use it in one dimension in Turkey sample. In the second stage, FSAS point averages of individuals in the intervention group were statistically significantly low (p=0.016) in terms of time interaction. Mental health (p=0.010) and vitality/energy (p=0.028) sub-dimension point averages of individuals in the intervention group were statistically significantly high. While no statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of mental summary value and physical summary value (p>0.05), a statistically significant difference was detected in mental summary value point in the intervention group in terms of time interaction (p=0.038). Conclusions: FSAS is a valid and reliable instrument. There has been a significant decrease in shock anxiety levels of individuals after the intervention and there has been a statistically significant increase in a number of sub-dimensions of quality of life scale. Thus, it is considered that web-based interventions can be used as an alternative method for ICD patients. Anahtar Sözcükler: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, Shock Anxiety, Quality of Life, Web-based Education, Social Cognitive Learning Theory.