Conclusion

Motivation and Health Related Quality of Life in PatientsWith Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation for Destination Therapy

C. Gallagher BSN, L.Coyle APN, A. Tatooles, MD, R. Stout, PhD, M. Gavaria, MD, P. Pappas, MD,G. Bhat PhD, MDAdvocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, Illinois

MethodsIntroduction

Hypotheses

Results

Conclusions

All patients treated with LVAD reported improved QOL scores according to the MLWHFQ. SF-36 health survey scores suggested an increase in HRQOL for patients with a LVAD compared to the age matched U.S. general population. Patients primary motivation for LVAD for DT was to live longer. This study provides a framework to assess reliable and valid information about functional health and well being from LVAD patients’ point of view.

Patients treated with LVAD for Destination Therapy have improved HRQOL scores post implant and these findings would be similar data for the general population.

Assessing motivation and psychosocial well being in patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) for destination is integral in the success of the evaluation of this growing population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient’s motivation for initial implant and perceived health related quality of life (HRQOL) post implantation.

Paired sample t-tests of MLWHFQ revealed significantly improved overall (p < .001) in both the physical (p < .001), and emotional (p < .001) domain post implant compared to pre –implant. The subset of patients who completed SF-36 QOL survey had equivalent or better scores compared to age-matched norms on all subscales of the SF-36 which included physical functioning (PF), role limitation due to physical function (RLPF), role limitation due to emotional problems (RLEP), emotional well being (EWB), social functioning (SF), general health (GH), and bodily pain (BP). The primary motivation for LVAD was desire to live longer while family, religion and severity of illness played a role.

All patients (n=52) implanted with LVAD for Destination Therapy between 2005-2007 at our institution completed Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHF) pre and post implant. Of these 52 patients, 21% (n=11) also completed the Rand Short-Form 36 (SF-36) survey and interviewed regarding motivation for implant at an average of 17 months (1-33) post hospital discharge.

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PF RLPF RLEP E/F EWB SF GH BP

Mean

SF-3

6 Scor

es

SF-36 Subscales

Post-Implant

U.S. Natl. Norms, ages 55-64

* = p < .05

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