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A picture is worth a thousand words: exploring the roles of caregivers and the home environment of ventricular assist device patients
- Source :
- Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Oxford University Press (OUP), 2021.
-
Abstract
- Aims Caregivers of persons living with ventricular assist devices (VADs) are integrally involved in both medical and non-medical care. We sought to understand tasks caregivers perform after surgical recovery, ways the home is adapted for those tasks, and presence of home safety hazards. Methods and results We conducted semi-structured interviews with persons living with a VAD and their caregivers. Pictures were taken of areas in the home where: (i) caregiving activities occurred, (ii) VAD or medical supplies were kept, and (iii) home adaptations were made for VAD care. Pictures were described in written detail and analysed. A qualitative descriptive approach was used for analysis. The sample consisted of 10 dyads, with mostly spousal relationships (60%) between male patients (60%) and female caregivers (80%). Three themes were identified: (i) Evolution of Caregiving and Support: Patients gain independence, but caregivers are still needed, (ii) Adapting the Home Environment: Changes are focused on functional needs, and (iii) Hidden Dangers: Illumination of safety concerns by photographs. Assistance with bathing, driveline care, and medication management were common caregiving tasks. Most home adaptations occurred in the bathroom and bedroom including sleeping recliners, shower chairs, removable shower heads, and hanging hooks to hold VAD equipment. Safety hazards included minimal space for safe ambulation, infection risk, and home-made adaptations to the environment. Conclusions These findings describe key home caregiving tasks, home adaptations, and safety concerns that require further education and support. Utilizing pictures may be a feasible method for assessing VAD teaching, caregiving needs, and identifying potential risks.
- Subjects :
- Male
Further education
Spousal relationships
Bathing
Home Environment
medicine.medical_treatment
Nursing
Article
Shower
medicine
Humans
Advanced and Specialized Nursing
Home environment
business.industry
Self Care
Medical–Surgical Nursing
Caregivers
Surgical recovery
Ventricular assist device
1102 Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology, 1110 Nursing, 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Female
Heart-Assist Devices
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
business
Bedroom
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 18731953 and 14745151
- Volume :
- 20
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....ff27e5ae200a6d41d3932ed822fdea63