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A dimensional concept analysis on managing life with a left ventricular assist device
Mireille Chehade1, Margaret M McCarthy1, Milla Arabadjian2
1Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, United States.
European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|January 17, 2026
Summary
Managing life with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) involves patients and caregivers, with self- and family management frameworks offering valuable insights for LVAD research and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nursing Research
- Health Management
Background:
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for end-stage heart failure management.
- Understanding patient and caregiver experiences is vital for optimizing LVAD therapy.
- Self- and family management concepts are increasingly relevant in chronic illness care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe how patients and caregivers manage life with an LVAD.
- To assess the applicability of self- and family management as a guiding concept in LVAD research.
Main Methods:
- Dimensional concept analysis of 28 articles from 2010-2025.
- Literature search across PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science.
- Analysis by two independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Five key dimensions of LVAD management were identified: patient/caregiver facilitators and barriers, self- and family management processes, clinician roles, and outcomes.
- These dimensions align with established self- and family management theories.
- Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies contributed to the findings.
Conclusions:
- Self- and family management is a suitable guiding concept for LVAD research.
- The Middle Range Theory of Self- and Family Management of Chronic Illness is applicable to LVAD therapy.
- Findings support improved clinical practice, education, and future research for LVAD patients and caregivers.
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