Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the lived experiences of destination therapy (DT) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients and their families using a narrative method of inquiry. Previous research documented that patients and families identified God/religiosity, family support, and the realization of a second chance for life. Interviews with patients and families provided extensive and personal insight into the dynamics faced by these participants. The needs of the patient and family vary based on the pathway traveled; thus, the education and support mechanisms must be guided by the needs of the participants, not a pre-determined timeline. The journey is unique but the outcome is consistent: DT is a lifesaving technology, giving patients and family members gratitude for today and hope for the future.

Notes

Clinical Focus: Adult Cardiovascular

Author Details

Suellen Richardson, RN, MBA, DNP

Sigma Membership

Chi Alpha at-Large

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Destination Therapy, Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Heart Failure

Advisor

Bourdeanu, Laura

Second Advisor

Wallace, Cara

Third Advisor

Kowal, Christopher

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

American Sentinel University

Degree Year

2015

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Peer-review: Single Blind

Acquisition

Self-submission

Date of Issue

2016-06-09

Full Text of Presentation

wf_yes

Download

Share

COinS