Psychoeducational Intervention in
Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Patients
(PEACE Trial)

Introduction
People who have internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) experience many new symptoms and changes in early recovery. This study is designed to improve physical and emotional recovery in the 12-month period after initial ICD implantation. The approaches that will be tested are symptom management and coping skill (cognitive-behavioral) training. Symptom management is important because people who receive ICDs need to know what to expect and how to best manage their own care after leaving the hospital. Coping skill (Cognitive behavioral) training helps ICD patients to learn active coping skill to develop a positive outlook and to deal with the emotional aspects and vulnerable feelings related to having an abnormal heart rhythm and ICD.