Life experiences and coping strategies after left ventricular assist device implantation as destination therapy in China: a descriptive phenomenological inquiry.

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become important treatments for end-stage heart failure; however, studies of post-LVAD life experiences are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate post-LVAD life experiences and coping strategies in patients who underwent LVAD implantation as destination therapy. This study used a qualitative descriptive design with a phenomenological approach. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed via inductive content analysis. Participants were recruited from a high-volume cardiovascular disease centre in Nanjing, China. A purposive method was employed to recruit 10 patients who had an LVAD support time of more than 6 months. The life experiences of participants who underwent LVAD implantation can be summarised into two main themes and five subthemes: hope (subthemes: LVADs signify survival and hope for returning to normal life) and fear (subthemes: fear of device malfunction, fear of complications and fear of increasing the family burden). Coping strategies for fear, including self-support, family support, social support and professional healthcare support, were noted. Patients who undergo LVAD implantation experience significant fluctuations in their life experiences. Attention should be given to the physical and mental health of patients with an LVAD, and individualised professional consultation and nursing should be provided.