Experiences of left ventricular assist device-destination therapy recipients: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.

Left ventricular assist device-destination therapy (LVAD-DT) represents a powerful technology capable of prolonging and significantly altering recipients' lives. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the experiences of LVAD-DT recipients and recommend directions of further study. This is a qualitative research project; a systematic review, using thematic meta-synthesis. Six studies were reviewed. Three over-arching themes supported by seven conceptual categories were recognized across the six studies. The three overarching themes are that LVAD-DT recipients continue to struggle with complex support needs post implantation; the motivations for accepting LVAD-DT is death avoidance, and symptom relief; and, that recipients often believe the device will reverse or fix their heart failure. Although elemental, these themes suggest LVAD-DT recipients' interests may not be well served by the informed consent process. The number of LVAD-DT recipients continues to grow and age, presenting significant implications for healthcare providers as a result of this finding.