title: [Psychological evaluation and support in patients with left ventricular assist devices: preliminary data at 6-month follow-up].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Heart disease has an impact on patient's identity and self-perception. Taking into account the wide literature about psychological aspects before and after heart transplant, it clearly emerges that there is a lack of data and results for patients up to implantation of ventricular assist devices (VAD). The aim of the present study was to explore quality of life and factors correlated with psychological adjustment in patients supported with VAD.
  
  
  METHODS
  From February 2013 to August 2014, 18 patients (17 male, mean age 57 years) under clinical evaluation before and after VAD implantation were enrolled. During interviews, patients were assessed with EuroQoL-5D questionnaire to monitor improvement of quality of life before implantation and at 3 and 6 months; critical issues, needs and point of views of patients have been described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant improvement in the quality of life score was observed at 3 (score 38 [interquartile range 30-40] vs 75 [60-80], p<0.05) and 6 months (38 [30-40] vs 70 [60-80], p<0.05). Overall, patients' psychological state investigated by the test showed a clear and positive trend. All patients need to empower through complete information about the device, related risks and life expectancy. Interdisciplinary approach improved compliance with therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Successful treatment and efficient psychological care are closely related to assessment and continuous clinical support. This approach ensures a better selection of patients and improves their compliance. Further data are needed to support our preliminary observations and to explore long-term quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Salute Mentale.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Voltolini
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Salute Mentale.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Minotti
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verde
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Manlio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cipriani
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garascia
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Turazza
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Macera
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Perna
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiochirurgia, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano.
authors.forename: Claudio F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Psicologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Salute Mentale.
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fumagalli
authors.affiliation: S.C. di Cardiologia 2 - Insufficienza Cardiaca e Trapianto, Dipartimento Cardiotoracovascolare.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frigerio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors