Self-management with the therapeutic regimen in patients with ventricular assist device (VAD) support - a scoping review

Abstract

Background: Ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation has become an established treatment strategy for the increasing number of patients with advanced heart failure. Adequate patient self-management becomes essential to prevent adverse events, which could diminish expected outcomes and survival for patients on VAD support.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the current state of evidence concerning self-management in VAD patients through a systematized search and mapping of the literature.

Methods: Following the scoping review process, a comprehensive literature search (PubMed, PsychInfo), tabular synthesis of included articles, and data analysis of synthesized findings were performed.

Results: Overall, twenty articles were included. Results describe the complexity of regular self-management tasks and give direction for specific self-management training.

Conclusions: This article represents the first comprehensive overview of available evidence suggesting the need for development and implementation of evidence-based, patient self-management curricula with therapeutic regimen for VAD patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04234230.

Keywords: Self-management with therapeutic regimen; Ventricular assist device.