Experiences with end-of-life care with a left ventricular assist device: An integrative review

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly being used to treat end-stage heart failure. Despite the increased prevalence of these devices, there is a still a high 1-year mortality rate. The purpose of this integrative review was to systematically evaluate research studies that focused on the process and content of LVAD related end-of-life discussions. A literature search was conducted from earliest available date to November, 2017. A total of 59 citations were produced, 13 articles went under full review, and six studies remained for inclusion in this review. Patients and their caregivers experienced confusion and frustration regarding the end-of-life experiences and care related to disjointed care by their provider teams. Clinician experiences and opinions also suggested a controversy about deactivation of the LVAD at the end-of-life, and a divide regarding practices at the end-of-life. Research focused on system-level factors involved in end-of-life care for patients with an LVAD is needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)451-457
Number of pages7
JournalHeart and Lung
Volume49
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2020

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding: This work was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholars program and the University of Kentucky RICH Heart Program.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Elsevier Inc.

Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Funding

Funding: This work was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Scholars program and the University of Kentucky RICH Heart Program.

FundersFunder number
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

    Keywords

    • End of life
    • Integrative review
    • LVAD
    • Systematic review

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
    • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
    • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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