Life with a left ventricular assist device: the patient's perspective.
BACKGROUND
Understanding the psychological experience of living with a life-sustaining device is necessary for developing individualized, supportive interventions for patients with a left ventricular assist device.


OBJECTIVE
To describe patients' experiences with left ventricular assist devices, strategies for coping with prolonged hospitalization, and suggestions for individualized nursing interventions.


METHODS
The phenomenology method of qualitative research was used. Data collection involved unstructured, open-ended interviews of 6 hospitalized subjects who had a pneumatic left ventricular assist device.


RESULTS
Patients described coping strategies for prolonged hospitalization, including family support, religious convictions, and diversional activities. Data analysis suggests that critical care nurses can best support these patients by establishing trusting relationships, fostering independence, and incorporating humor into their care.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients awaiting cardiac transplantation coped effectively with prolonged hospitalization with a life-sustaining device in place. Spirituality, humor, and strong family relationships contributed to their positive outlook.
Savage
L S
LS
Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
Canody
C
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D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic