Implementation of an LVAD Educator to Improve Quality Outcomes

Abstract

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) is a growing form of therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. While LVAD patient volumes grow, the need for additional education both for the patients and hospitals has grown. The implementation of dedicated LVAD educators into LVAD programs can be beneficial for program quality indicators as well as patient outcomes. Retrospective chart review at a large academic University, comparing median length of stay, driveline infection rates, unplanned readmission's, and one year survival from between 2017 and 2018 when a dedicated LVAD educator was implemented into the program. The implementation of a dedicated LVAD educator occurred January of 2018. Outcome results were evaluated for 2017 prior to the educator and 2018 after implantation of the educator. The volumes for 2017 and 2018 were similar at 47 and 63 respectively. Outcomes evaluated included median length of stay from implant of LVAD to discharge from hospital which decreased from 20.5 days to 18.9 days. Driveline infections rates decreased from 23.81% to 17.71%. Unplanned readmission's decreased from 3.53% to 2.91% and one year survival between the two groups remained comparable at 93.74% and 92.81%. Acuity of the patients was comparable in both groups and programmatic staffing remained unchanged otherwise. Incorporating a dedicated LVAD educator into LVAD programs proves to be beneficial by decreasing length of stay, decrease driveline infection rates, decrease unplanned readmission while maintaining overall one year survival.