Psychology CIED

West of Scotland – Implantable Cardiac Device Psychology service

The British Heart Foundation has funded a 12 month pilot remote Clinical Psychology service for implantable cardiac device recipients in the West of Scotland. This service is hosted at the Golden Jubilee National University Hospital.

People living with implanted cardiac devices are more prone to psychological distress including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The pilot service aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of remote, cross-border working to facilitate access to Clinical Psychology as well as a range of digital resources for implantable cardiac device recipients in the West of Scotland.

Service summary

The service offers a matched-stepped care model where the intensity of treatment scales with the level of psychological distress identified. Services include:

  • Digital self-help materials for managing anxiety, depression and adjustment.
  • Online peer support – Learning café (Future development) 
  • Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) – Option for independent or supported use
  • One to one psychological therapy delivered remotely via NHS NearMe

The service can also provide education and training sessions for clinical staff interested in psychopathology in cardiac device recipients as well as recognition and management of psychological distress including use of screening tools. 

Eligibility

Individuals should meet the below criteria to access the service though the service welcomes discussion regarding potential suitability.

  • The person presents with psychological difficulties that arise from their cardiac device (e.g anxiety, panic, depression, acceptance and adjustment difficulties, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder related to out of hospital cardiac arrest or device shocks)
  • The person’s psychological difficulties are impeding their ability to adjust to living with a cardiac device
  • The person would benefit from learning strategies to help them live well with their cardiac device
  • The person can offer the commitment required to make long-term changes (i.e. regular attendance, completion of tasks set at home).

The service is unable to accept people that meet any of the following criteria but can provide guidance on how these presentations can be managed appropriately where required.

  • People at acute risk of suicide and/or self-harm.
  • Individuals who are currently under the care of other mental health services.
  • People with longstanding history of mental health issues (e.g psychosis, severe depression, personality disorder) which continue to be problematic and are the priority at the moment. 

Enquiries and referrals

The service is now accepting referrals. If you think you would benefit from this service please speak to your device follow up team or email the team directly using the information below:

Referrals and enquiries can be made to gjnh.psychology@gjnh.scot.nhs.uk

Useful links:

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