'Life with a Device' sessions make a real difference
Some of the team behind the 'Life with a Device' sessions
“I was so terrified after I had my first ICD fitted. Attending the ‘Life with a Device’ session made a massive difference and allayed my fears”
They were the words of a patient that attended one of our popular ‘Life with a Device’ engagement events for patients and families here at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
The quarterly sessions were introduced in 2017, by Dr Archie Rao, Consultant Cardiologist, to create a supportive educational forum for patients who had just had their first Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implanted.
An ICD is a small, battery-powered device placed under the skin of your chest that constantly monitors your heart rate. If it detects dangerously fast, irregular rhythms (arrhythmias), it delivers electrical pulses or a shock to restore a normal heartbeat and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
The aim of the series was to bring patients and families together with healthcare professionals in an informal environment to access information, ask questions and feel better supported in managing their condition.
Today, the team welcomed another cohort of patients and families to this reassuring forum.
Rachel Goode, Heart Failure Lead Nurse, explained how these sessions had exceeded all expectations: “What began as a quality improvement project has grown into a well-established series of events which are supported by a range of clinical colleagues offering differing expertise.
“We are delighted to have received excellent feedback from our patients and families which demonstrates the true value of providing education, reassurance, and peer support outside of routine clinic appointments. We are so pleased that the LHCH Charity has continued to support and make these events possible.”
Dr Archie Rao, Consultant Cardiologist (pictured above), who pioneered the sessions said: “I’m proud of how the event has evolved and continued to grow over the years.
“Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to engage with patients and their families, both as a group and on a one-to-one basis, supporting them throughout their ICD journey. Seeing the positive impact this has on patients’ understanding, confidence and experience of living with an ICD makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“I am also proud of one of our patients, Steve, who shared his story with us several years ago. We enjoy sharing his video at every one of our events and all our patients and families value his personal story and experience so much.”
Patients receive an event invitation, by post, after their first ICD implant or from the Cardiac Rehabilitation or ICD clinic teams. The next event is September 17th, 2026. If any patients, who have recently had an ICD implant, wish to attend, they can contact our pathway co-ordinator Leane by calling 0151 600 1802.
You can find out more on the ICD section of the website.