Exploring Family Experiences of Living with a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
Principal Investigator: S. Anthony
Co-Investigators: A. Jeewa, H. Telfer, A. Maurich, A. Dada, F. Ali
Children with severe heart failure who require medical support from a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) and their families experience profound and recognizably unique psychosocial challenges. Children with a VAD receive complex medical treatment and are often hospitalized for long periods of time – affecting entire family systems. At the Labatt Family Heart Centre, an increasing number of children are receiving VAD therapy. Due to long wait times for a heart transplant, children are also spending more time on VADs than ever before. Considering these rising statistics and the psychosocial challenges that affect entire family systems, this study will be the first to explore the combined family experiences of pediatric VAD therapy in Canada. Moreover, this study will explore the family experience in transitions in care and decision-making processes in pursuing VAD support.
Methods: Using a qualitative exploratory approach for data collection, interviews will be conducted with children who currently have or previously had a VAD, their caregiver(s) and sibling(s) to better understand the psychosocial impacts of pediatric VAD therapy.
Results: The knowledge generated from this study will help healthcare providers and policymakers understand how to best care for this vulnerable and high-need population in and outside Canada.
Funded by: Labatt Family Heart Centre
Knowledge Translation: