Abstract
Objective: To explore and describe the lifestyle adjustments made by adult recipients of a long-term implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methods: A phenomenologic inquiry was used to uncover the lifestyle adjustments of 7 men and 2 women, ages 31 to 70 years, who had an LVAD for more than 3 months after hospital discharge. Results: An overarching theme, "adjustment takes time," represents the lifestyle adjustments of the study participants. Early adjustment was highlighted by participants' concerns with physical, psychologic, and environmental aspects, whereas late adjustment was highlighted by behaviors associated with acceptance of the LVAD as an integral component of their bodies and lives. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the patient's perspective regarding the challenges faced in living with an LVAD. The findings inform health care providers in the acute and critical care settings in assisting patients to positively adjust with the lifestyle imposed by an LVAD.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 511-520 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Heart and Lung: Journal of Acute and Critical Care |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 1 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Coping
- LVADs
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Lifestyle modifications
- Mechanical hearts
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine