Current Research and Scholarly Interests
My early qualitative work was to determine how individual’s experience their lives with atrial fibrillation (AFib). It validated that managing the presence or absence of their cardiac arrhythmia was inadequate and resources/strategies were needed to enable them to live life fully with their arrhythmia. This work provided the foundation for the development of a conceptual model to advance the science of supporting individuals to achieve an optimal quality of life with AFib. I am working collaboratively with other AFib nurse scientists on the development of a conceptual model.
My continued interest in the clinical and psychological outcomes of individuals with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) prompted the design and implementation of a longitudinal data base for ICD patients at Stanford to examine associations between activity, cardiovascular status, and patient reported outcomes (Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression) in individuals with ICDs: ACPRO-ICD. The aims of the study are to learn more about the challenges of living with an ICD and identify those resources perceived as supportive that are provided or desired.
