Systematic Review

This qualitative systematic review is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the experience of LVAD patients and their caregivers. Taking a qualitative approach allowed me to better understand the emotional and psychological needs of this population with a focus on quality of life and occupational engagement. This topic was chosen as the focus of my systematic review because I wanted to take a deeper look at what it's like living day to day life, engaging in everyday occupations, and assisting loved ones in the navigation through a daily routine with an LVAD through the eyes of those living that life.

The knowledge gained from this systematic review can be utilized to focus occupational therapy practice on engagement and quality of life in daily roles and routines that are significantly altered in the LVAD process. With a better understanding of what is truly important to this population, as well as the range of emotional and psychological changes that are experienced from both the patient and caregiver perspective, occupational therapy practitioners have the potential to better tailor their approach to treatment, and significantly increase quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Click on the first heart image to read the systematic review, click on the second heart image to read Appendix A, table of evidence.