A web-based intervention for patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator – A qualitative study of nurses’ experiences (Data from the ACQUIRE-ICD study)

The aim of this study was to explore cardiac nurses’ experiences with a comprehensive web-based intervention for patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. We conducted an explorative qualitative study based on individual semi-structured interviews with 9 cardiac nurses from 5 Danish university hospitals. We found one overall theme: “Between traditional nursing and modern eHealth”. This theme was derived from the following six categories: (1) comprehensive content in the intervention, (2) patient-related differences in engagement, (3) following the protocol is a balancing act, (4) online communication challenges patient contact, (5) professional collaboration varies, and (6) an intervention with potential. Cardiac nurses were positive towards the web-based intervention and believe it holds a large potential. However, they felt challenged by not having in-person and face-to-face contact with patients, which they found valuable for assessing patients’ wellbeing and psychological distress. Specific training in eHealth communication seems necessary as web-based care entails a shift in the nursing role and requires a different way of communication. Innovation Focusing on the user experience in web-based care from the perspective of cardiac nurses is innovative, and by applying implementation science this leads to new knowledge to consider when developing and implementing web-based care. •Cardiac nurses are positive towards web-based treatment.•Online communication entails a shift in the nursing role and requires training.•Web-based treatment can challenge assessment of patients’ psychological wellbeing.