Epidemiology and Patients' Knowledge of Implantable Medical Device Management and Safe Use: Results of a CROSS-Sectional Survey Among the General Population in Hungary
Author(s)
Hölgyesi Á1, Tóth B2, Kozlovszky M2, Kuti J2, Weszl M3, Baji P4, Kovács L2, Gulácsi L2, Zrubka Z5, Péntek M2
1Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, 2Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary, 3Semmelweis University, Budapest, PE, Hungary, 4University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, 5Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the basic epidemiological characteristics of patients living with implantable medical devices (IMDs) and explore patients’ self-perceived understanding of their use.
METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2021 involving a sample (N=1400) aged 40+ representative for the general public in terms of age, sex, educational level and residency. Participants were asked to report their IMD(s) history. Patients were asked to indicate on a 0-10 visual analogue scale how familiar they are Q1) with the instructions and lifestyle advice for everyday use of the IMD; Q2) with the specific safety requirements for the IMD they are using; how confident they are that they will be able to recognise in time if there is a problem with the IMD Q3) that needs medical attention; Q4) that requires information security or privacy control (Q4 only for pacemaker and glucose sensor users).
RESULTS: 433 (30.9%) participants were living with IMD (female 50.8%, mean age 61.8 years). The most frequent IMDs were: tooth implant (N=134; 31%), intraocular lens (N=116; 27%), bone plate (N=77; 18%), abdominal mesh (N=37; 9%), hip implant (N=32; 7%), dental bone graft (N=32; 7%), coronary stent (N=26; 6%), knee implant (N=19; 4%), intrauterine device (N=18; 4%), spine implant (N=18; 4%), pacemaker (N=15; 3%), breast implant (N=13, 3%), artificial heart valve (N=6; 1%), glucose monitor (N=1), other (N=19; 7%). Mean age differed by IMD type (ANOVA F14,548 =7.74, p <0.001). Mean (SD) results on Q1-Q4 questions were 6.5 (3.2), 5.5 (3.8), 5.9 (3.4) and 5.8 (2.5), respectively. Respondents’ knowledge was associated with sociodemographic variables, self-perceived impact of IMDs on patients’ life and instructions received for use.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive epidemiological study on IMDs in Hungary. Patients’ uncertainties regarding their role as IMD wearers draw attention to the need to improve patient education.
Conference/Value in Health Info
Value in Health, Volume 25, Issue 6, S1 (June 2022)
Code
MT31
Topic
Medical Technologies
Topic Subcategory
Medical Devices
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas