Caregivers and Left Ventricular Assist Devices as a Destination, Not a Journey

Abstract Background The quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of patients with LVAD-DT (Left Ventricular Assist Device as Destination Therapy) has not been well explored. Methods We used a concurrent mixed methods design. Caregivers (n = 42; average 60 years old, 82% female, 75% white) of patients (n = 39; average 68.3 years old, 83% male, 90% white) and providers (n = 27) from 6 LVAD-DT programs were recruited. We used the City of Hope Quality of Life Family Caregiver instrument, modified for LVAD-DT. Lower scores indicate poorer QOL. We analyzed open-ended questions with the use of Nvivo 10.0, using a modified grounded theory approach. Results The Psychologic subscale had the lowest average QOL score, followed by Social, Spiritual, and then Physical subscales. The composite mean average QOL score across the subscales was highest in caregivers