What trade-off between net clinical effects and costs should be considered when providing written information for the patient and their family and/or carers?
The committee acknowledged that there is likely to be a cost associated with providing written information for the patient and their family and/or carers. Some information on ICDs is already available from charitable organisations and some clinics already provide such information to their patients. Readily available information could be edited, or further supplementary information could be provided if not all aspects are covered from available materials. Informed decision making could reduce the number of painful unwanted shocks for individuals, again potentially providing some improvement in quality of life. Therefore, the trade-off between net clinical effects and costs should be considered when providing written information for the patient and their family and/or carers.