ENABLE-LVAD: Development and Implementation of a Novel Training Program for Clinicians Supporting Family Caregivers of Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Abstract

Despite significant family caregiver (FCG) burnout, there are currently no tested interventions to support the FCG role after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation or formalized training for clinicians to support FCGs. We adapted the existing ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise Before Life Ends) intervention to LVAD clinicians and FCGs and assessed clinical implementation and dissemination. ENABLE-LVAD is an interactive, self-paced clinician training coupled with FCG-facing guidebooks and resources. Implementation and dissemination were evaluated by the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. As of May 2023, 187 clinicians registered for the training, and 41 completed all modules (22.0% completion rate). Of those who completed the training and responded to a 6-month survey, one-third (n = 10, 33.3%) used ENABLE-LVAD with FCGs, and 100% of those planned to continue using it. The primary barrier to completing the training was time. The ENABLE-LVAD clinician training was successfully disseminated and implemented as a useful resource to support LVAD FCGs.