Doctor Communication Intervention for Patient Safety in Pacemaker/ICD Procedures
(Veteran CIEDs Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to improve patient safety during the implantation of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). It examines whether a specific communication method, involving academic training and performance feedback (known as the academic detailing and audit and feedback intervention), can influence doctors' choice of device models. The target participants are VA-based cardiac specialists who manage these heart devices and are open to new approaches.
As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to innovative methods that could enhance cardiac care practices.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for pacemaker/ICD procedures?
Research has shown that methods like academic detailing and audit and feedback are generally well-received by both doctors and patients. These methods aim to enhance communication and collaborative decision-making between doctors and patients. Studies have found that these approaches do not negatively impact patient safety; instead, they improve the quality of care.
This method has succeeded in other medical settings. For instance, one study noted better prescription practices without any safety issues. Both doctors and patients involved in these methods reported feeling more confident and informed.
Although specific safety data for this context is lacking, the nature of the method suggests it is low-risk. It involves no new medications or invasive procedures, only improved communication and decision-making support.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it focuses on improving doctor-patient communication, which is a new approach for enhancing patient safety during pacemaker and ICD procedures. Unlike standard treatments that primarily focus on the medical aspects, this intervention uses academic detailing and audit and feedback to directly engage VA cardiac electrophysiologists. By doing so, it aims to foster better communication and understanding, which could lead to fewer complications and improved outcomes. This approach is particularly promising as it targets the human element of healthcare, potentially transforming how safety is ensured in these procedures.
What evidence suggests that this intervention is effective for improving patient safety in pacemaker/ICD procedures?
Research shows that certain methods can improve healthcare practices. For instance, these methods have reduced the unnecessary use of multiple medications in both young and older adults. Using clinical decision support with regular feedback has also prevented kidney problems during some medical procedures. Additionally, decision aids have increased patient involvement in care decisions. In this trial, the intervention arm involves VA cardiac electrophysiologists receiving an academic detailing and audit and feedback intervention. These findings suggest that the intervention might improve the choice of pacemaker or ICD leads for veterans, enhancing patient safety.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sanket Shishir Dhruva, MD MHS
Principal Investigator
San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for cardiac electrophysiologists working at three Veterans Integrated Service Networks who implant pacemakers or ICDs in veterans. Participants must be willing to join the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Academic detailing and audit and feedback intervention implemented via videoconference
Evaluation
Quantitative evaluation of CIED lead models implanted over 3 months
Follow-up
Semi-structured interviews conducted to assess reasons for changes in CIED lead model selection
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Academic detailing and audit and feedback intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator