Dyadic lived experiences of ventricular assist device in a crisis torn country
Authors: Chehade M , Massouh A , Lambrinou E , Skouri H , Dumit N 
Published: July 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Dyadic lived experiences of ventricular assist device in a crisis torn country

Background

 Patients with Heart Failure benefit from advanced treatment modalities like the Left Ventricular Assist Device [VAD]. Literature has addressed the complexity of the VAD experience in terms of lifestyle changes and adaptive processes affecting dyads, patients and their caregivers 1,2. In Lebanon, a knowledge gap on the experiences of dyads after VAD implantation is identified. Dyads in Lebanon are challenged by the country’s political and economic instability. It is thus imperative to explore VAD dyadic lived experiences in a country with limited resources and aggravated crises. 

Purpose

 This study aims to explore the lived experiences of VAD dyads and gain insight on how they adapt to their new life with the VAD.

Methods

 Following a qualitative phenomenological design, we interviewed 5 patients [3:2, Male: Female] along with their identified caregivers [1:4, Male: Female]. Transcription was completed verbatim in Arabic. Back translation to English was completed independently by the researchers. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method guided the thematic analysis.

Results

 4 out of 5 dyads reported a complementary care approach where both members of the dyad counterpart each other in caring for the VAD patient. One dyad had a caregiver oriented approach. Two themes emerged capturing determinants that impact adaptation to a life with a VAD. 

Theme I

Challenges to the VAD experience, personal and contextual. Patients perceived body image alterations as a barrier for intimacy. Spousal caregiver role was problematic. With patients’ heightened sensitivity, spouses dwelled on the need for vigilance with every act. Initially, the presence of the VAD was coupled with dyadic anticipated concern on adaptation and caregiving. Patients complained about the weight of the VAD. Contextual challenges centered around the economic crisis resulting in supply cutoffs and inflated prices for daily VAD care supplies. Along with the medical bills’ steep rise, dyads had to endure electrical supply shortage. 

Theme II

Facilitators to the VAD experience, personal and cultural. Dyads considered the need for VAD placement to be determined by God’s will. Faith assisted them to cope and accept their lifestyle changes. Mental wellbeing promoted high spirits and positively impacted their recovery. In line with the collectivistic culture, support from the family and social circle elevated morale. One of the patients who was unmarried described the lack of responsibilities as a facilitator for acceptance of the VAD. 

Conclusion

This is one of the first studies to address the paucity of knowledge on how dyads experience their new life following VAD implantation. The unstable living conditions add to the complexity of the VAD experience. The identified challenges and facilitators inform healthcare professionals on means to support VAD patient caregiver dyads.