NURS2: Demystifying the Left Ventricular Assist Device: Restructuring A Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: Our tertiary academic medical center implants durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in eligible patients with advanced heart failure. The MCS program was the Northwest’s first to receive Joint Commission’s accreditation. As the program has continued to grow, we noted an increase in staff anxiety surrounding LVAD patient care. Many staff members expressed trepidation to care for LVAD patients, especially in departments with infrequent contact. It became apparent there was lack of structure for onboarding and maintaining educational requirements for team members caring for LVAD patients. We identified a need to restructure and streamline LVAD education with the goal to increase awareness of the device itself, reduce anxiety and hesitancy surrounding the care of this patient population, and to maximize patient safety throughout their care continuum. Methods: An education plan was created which included all staff in the hospital setting. Three different categories of educational needs were identified: -VAD Competent -VAD Aware: clinicians -VAD Aware: non-clinicians We identified which category was most appropriate for each staff member that may interact with an LVAD patient and established standardized onboarding and annual requirements for each. The requirements included, but were not limited to online modules, didactics, and a hands on check off. We also created a new intranet site for staff to access quick guides, tip sheets, and training videos. The intranet site includes up to date LVAD information, related policies, key contacts, and frequently asked questions. Summary: Our goal of standardizing and streamlining LVAD education met the need of increasing staff awareness, reducing discomfort and anxiety regarding VAD patient care, and increased safety throughout the continuum. Since implementation of our education plan, we have been able to provide LVAD education to departments such as inpatient rehabilitation (IPR), electrophysiology lab (EP lab), and the post anesthesia recovery unit (PACU). Up-to-date education and hands-on check offs have decreased team hesitancy and increased comfort with LVAD patients, while simultaneously standardizing care and improving patient safety.