A conceptual definition of quality of life with a left ventricular assist device: results from a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a conceptual definition of quality of life (QoL) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).


BACKGROUND
Conceptual and operational definitions of QoL with an LVAD are lacking.


METHODS
A grounded theory method was used. Adult, outpatient LVAD recipients (n = 11) participated twice in individual or paired interviews.


RESULTS
A conceptual definition of QoL while living with an LVAD was established as: "Being well enough to do and enjoy day-to-day activities that are important to me." Participants described 5 important life domains consistent with QoL literature: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual/meaning. However, participants identified unique concerns not addressed by generic or heart failure disease specific measures typically used in the LVAD population.


CONCLUSIONS
Existing generic and heart-failure specific QoL measures are not adequate for understanding QoL among LVAD patients. Cognition and spiritual/meaning domains were significant; these need inclusion for comprehensive QoL assessment in the LVAD population.
Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112, USA. Electronic address: k-sandau@bethel.edu.
Kristin E
KE
Sandau
Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112, USA.
Barbara A
BA
Hoglund
Transplant Department, Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, USA.
Carrie E
CE
Weaver
Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, USA; Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, USA.
Charlene
C
Boisjolie
Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, 920 East 28th St., Ste. 620, Minneapolis, MN 55407; School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Departments of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
David
D
Feldman
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life
Conceptual definition; Grounded theory; Left ventricular assist device (LVAD); Patient-reported outcomes; Qualitative; Quality of life (QoL)