Kristin E Sandau1, Barbara A Hoglund2, Carrie E Weaver3, Charlene Boisjolie4, David Feldman5. 1. Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112, USA. Electronic address: k-sandau@bethel.edu. 2. Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN 55112, USA. 3. Transplant Department, Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, USA. 4. Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, USA; Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, USA. 5. Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, 920 East 28th St., Ste. 620, Minneapolis, MN 55407; School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Departments of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop a conceptual definition of quality of life (QoL) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). BACKGROUND: Conceptual and operational definitions of QoL with an LVAD are lacking. METHODS: A grounded theory method was used. Adult, outpatient LVAD recipients (n = 11) participated twice in individual or paired interviews. RESULTS: A conceptual definition of QoL while living with an LVAD was established as: "Being well enough to do and enjoy day-to-day activities that are important to me." Participants described 5 important life domains consistent with QoL literature: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual/meaning. However, participants identified unique concerns not addressed by generic or heart failure disease specific measures typically used in the LVAD population. CONCLUSION: Existing generic and heart-failure specific QoL measures are not adequate for understanding QoL among LVAD patients. Cognition and spiritual/meaning domains were significant; these need inclusion for comprehensive QoL assessment in the LVAD population.
OBJECTIVE: To develop a conceptual definition of quality of life (QoL) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). BACKGROUND: Conceptual and operational definitions of QoL with an LVAD are lacking. METHODS: A grounded theory method was used. Adult, outpatient LVAD recipients (n = 11) participated twice in individual or paired interviews. RESULTS: A conceptual definition of QoL while living with an LVAD was established as: "Being well enough to do and enjoy day-to-day activities that are important to me." Participants described 5 important life domains consistent with QoL literature: physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual/meaning. However, participants identified unique concerns not addressed by generic or heart failure disease specific measures typically used in the LVAD population. CONCLUSION: Existing generic and heart-failure specific QoL measures are not adequate for understanding QoL among LVAD patients. Cognition and spiritual/meaning domains were significant; these need inclusion for comprehensive QoL assessment in the LVAD population.