title: The Experience of Family Caregivers of Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device: An Integrative Review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this review is to understand the experience of caregivers of patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and to evaluate how health professionals can support them properly.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Left ventricular assist device can improve quality of life, enhance functional status, and prolong survival in patients with advanced heart failure. Nonetheless, LVAD can adversely influence quality of life for their family caregivers.
  
  
  METHODS
  An integrative literature review was conducted using scientific databases between January to March 2015.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 15 studies are included in the final review. Three major themes emerged "emotional distress," "responsibility," and "coping strategies" that characterize family caregivers' experiences with care of patients with LVAD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care providers should understand the pivotal role of caregivers in promoting and maintaining patients' well-being and be able to help the caregiver to moderate the impact being overloaded. Research should be addressed to create interventions that motivate the caregivers to engage in activities that promote their health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy ASL02Abruzzo-Lanciano Vasto Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cicolini
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy francesca.cerratti@unich.it.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cerratti
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Della Pelle
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Simonetti
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: caregiver; heart failure; nurse; quality of life; ventricular assist device