Thank you for agreeing to participate in the DIRECT-HF survey on implantable cardiac devices in patients with heart failure. DIRECT-HF (DevIce Rhythm managEment for Cardiac Therapy in Heart Failure) is a medical education program aimed at updating the role of implantable cardiac devices and providing practical guidance for their optimal use. The program, organized by MedEd Global Solutions and supported by Medtronic, is led by an international working group including heart failure and cardiac rhythm specialists.

In this survey, the term “implantable cardiac device” refers to all cardiac devices that use electrical signals to maintain a regular heartbeat. There are four main types: 1) a pacemaker monitors the heart rate and sends small electrical impulses to the heart to trigger each beat; 2) an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) delivers a small electrical impulse or shock to the heart to correct a potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbance; 3) a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) makes the different parts of the heart beat in a coordinated manner; and 4) a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) makes the different parts of the heart beat in a coordinated manner while delivering electrical impulses or shocks to correct potentially fatal heart rhythm disturbances.

By completing this survey, you will help clinicians and researchers understand the impact of HF and its management on patients' lives and better understand patients' needs and perceptions regarding medications and implantable cardiac devices. This survey also explores patients' expectations of the healthcare professionals involved in their care.

Together with the results of a parallel survey on the educational needs of healthcare professionals, the results of this survey will be used to develop a medical training program designed with input from heart failure and heart rhythm specialists as well as patient representatives.

This survey is completely anonymous – no personal data will be collected – and should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

Thank you for participating in this important survey!