Understanding the experiences and adaptation of people with a DT-LVAD and their caregivers

This study aims to explore the experiences, needs, and coping strategies of the dyad consisting of a person with a LVAD-DT and their caregiver, as well as the perceptions of members of the interprofessional team in relation to these elements. The results obtained will then be used to develop a nursing intervention aimed at supporting the follow-up and care of this dyad.

The only treatment options that improve survival and quality of life in cases of severe heart failure are heart transplantation and implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). LVAD-DT implantation is only for patients who are ineligible for heart transplantation, which means that they will live with this device until their death. The experience of people with LVAD-DT is marked by complex care, an increased risk of complications and a high rate of return to the emergency room. They report numerous symptoms that affect their daily lives, as well as those of their caregivers, in addition to the challenges associated with managing the device by the patient-caregiver dyad, including the need to anticipate the progression of the disease and adapt care accordingly. The goal of care is to maintain survival and quality of life in this chronic disease, so the way to help them is to support them through nursing care. It therefore seems essential to deepen our knowledge of the experiences, needs and coping strategies of person with LVAD-DT and their caregivers from a dyadic perspective in order to respond to them in the best possible way.