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Widhalm G, Abart T, Noeske M, Kumer L, Ebenberger K, Atteneder C, Berger A, Laufer G, Wiedemann D, Zimpfer D, Schima H, Wagner M, Schlöglhofer T. Human Factors Evaluation of HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device Peripherals: An Eye Tracking Supported Simulation Study. J Med Syst 2023; 47:58. [PMID: 37133553 PMCID: PMC10156833 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-023-01950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent design improvements, human factors issues continue to challenge left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate user experience of former non-HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD patients post heart transplantation (HTX) and laypersons (LP) with HM3 LVAD peripherals in simulated everyday and emergency scenarios. METHODS This single center cohort study included untrained HTX and LP. Seven scenarios, including battery exchanges (without alarm, advisory alarm, dim light, consolidated bag), change of power supply, driveline dis-/reconnection and controller exchange were simulated. Subjects' gaze behavior was recorded using eye tracking technology. Success rate, pump-off-time, duration to success (DTS), percental fixation duration per areas of interest and post-scenario-survey results were defined as outcome measures. RESULTS Thirty subjects completed 210 scenarios, initially solving 82.4% (HTX vs. LP, p = 1.00). Changing power supply revealed highest complexity (DTS = 251 ± 93s, p = 0.76): 26.7% succeeded at first attempt (p = 0.68), 56.7% at second attempt, with significantly more LP failing (p = 0.04), resulting in 10 hazards from driveline disconnections (pump-off-time 2-118s, p = 0.25). Comparison on initial success showed differences in fixation durations for seven areas of interest (p < 0.037). Decreasing DTS during battery exchanges (p < 0.001) indicate high learnability. Exchanging batteries within the bag took longer (median DTS = 75.0 (IQR = 45.0)s, p = 0.09), especially in elderly subjects (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). Subjects with less initial success were more afraid of making mistakes (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION This eye tracking based human factors study provided insights into user experiences in handling HM3 peripherals. It highlights unintuitive and hazardous characteristics, providing guidance for future user-centered design of LVAD wearables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Widhalm
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theodor Abart
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Moritz Noeske
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Kumer
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Clemens Atteneder
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Günther Laufer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Wiedemann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Zimpfer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Schima
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Wagner
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Schlöglhofer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria.
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Schlöglhofer T, Grausenburger AS, Widhalm G, Haberl L, Suda W, Schwingenschlögl H, Riebandt J, Laufer G, Wiedemann D, Moscato F, Zimpfer D, Schima H. It's not only the pump: Assessment of human factors of wearable components and user experience of patients with left ventricular assist devices. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022; 42:466-477. [PMID: 36682893 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite design improvements in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) over the past decade, limitations of external, wearable VAD components affect patient quality of life and safety. The aim of this study was to describe both user experience and human factor issues of 2 contemporary LVADs. METHODS This single-center, cross-sectional study included LVAD outpatients who were at least 3 months after implantation. Before developing the 16-item survey, a systematic literature review and 2-round Delphi method involving 9 VAD clinicians were used to select items in 6 domains: power supply, emergency situations, wearability, mobility, and freedom to travel, user modifications, lifestyle, and home adaptations. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients (61.6 ± 11.6 years, 13.8% female, HeartMate 3 (HM3)/HVAD: n = 39/19) completed the one-time survey after median of 853 days on device: 10.3% reported problems changing power supply, 12.7% unintentional driveline disconnection (HM3: 5.6% vs HVAD: 26.3%, p = 0.041). Against the recommendation 74.1% sleep with battery-support (HM3: 88.9% vs HVAD: 44.4%, p = 0.001). About 65.3% criticized the carry bag weight/size (HM3: 71.4% vs HVAD: 50.0%, p = 0.035), thus 24.1% wear an own carrying-system, 42.1% modified their wearables, 38.9% their clothing, and 65.3% their home to cope with life on LVAD support. Mobility is reduced due to limited wearability: 18.9% went abroad (only 3.7% by plane) and 40.0% use less public transport than before implantation (the older the less: r = -0.37, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS HVAD and HM3 wearables still show a variety of human factors issues and potential for improved user experience. User-centered design and incorporation of patient feedback may increase user satisfaction, and patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlöglhofer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria; Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Gregor Widhalm
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Haberl
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Suda
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Julia Riebandt
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Günther Laufer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Wiedemann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Moscato
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria; Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Zimpfer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinrich Schima
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria; Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Levelink M, Reinhold AK, Dewald O, Brütt AL. Psychological burden and coping in destination therapy patients with a left ventricular assist device: a qualitative content analysis. Artif Organs 2021; 46:1165-1180. [PMID: 34932234 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to an increasing prevalence of heart failure and persistent shortage of donor hearts, the number of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations is growing. As more patients live with LVADs for prolonged periods of time, psychosocial outcomes are becoming more relevant. This particularly applies to destination therapy (DT) patients, who live with the LVAD for the rest of their lives. METHODS We used a cross-sectional qualitative design to explore psychological burden, coping strategies and resources from the perspective of DT patients. Data was collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews with 18 patients who lived with the LVAD for 3 months to over 10 years. These were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to the recruitment strategy and data collection strategies of the original study protocol were applied. Patients and clinicians were involved throughout the research process to ensure validity of the results and implications. RESULTS We synthesized 10 psychosocial, health, and treatment-related burdens, identified 15 problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies and 5 personal and environmental resources patients used to cope with the burden. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide deeper insights into the complex and specific situation of LVAD patients to better address the patient situation in health care and promote positive psychosocial outcomes. So far, health care practice and quality vary significantly between clinics due to individual treatment protocols. Our results highlight the need to improve medical and psychosocial care. Overarching care concepts may be developed based on the implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levelink
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Department für Versorgungsforschung, Nachwuchsgruppe Rehaforschung, Fakultät VI, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anna Katharina Reinhold
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Department für Versorgungsforschung, Nachwuchsgruppe Rehaforschung, Fakultät VI, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Dewald
- Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Universitätsklinik für Herzchirurgie, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anna Levke Brütt
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Department für Versorgungsforschung, Nachwuchsgruppe Rehaforschung, Fakultät VI, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
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Patient names for mechanical circulatory support devices: Developing emotional insights. Heart Lung 2021; 50:953-967. [PMID: 34438307 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with mechanical circulatory support devices regularly experience positive and negative emotions which are reinforced through interactions with their device. We explored emotional relationships between patients and their MCS devices through the names they assign to those devices. OBJECTIVES We sought to characterise device naming and suggest future developments which might capitalise on the naming phenomenon to improve patient wellbeing. METHODS Qualitative online ethnography extracted comments on device names and emotions from a social media group. Thematic analysis grouped the comments according to their explicit or implied emotions, and their potential consequences for designing future MCS treatment. RESULTS Thematic analysis identified 28 codes to characterise the names, from which we inferred 4 main themes for proposed emotional relationships. They centred on humour, coping, improving acceptance for family and friends, and reclaiming agency. CONCLUSION We suggest that by deliberately considering these factors in future research and development, clinicians and device manufacturers have scope to improve patient wellbeing.
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Eye Tracking Supported Human Factors Testing Improving Patient Training. J Med Syst 2021; 45:55. [PMID: 33768346 PMCID: PMC7994237 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-021-01729-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The handling of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can be challenging for patients and requires appropriate training. The devices' usability impacts patients' safety and quality of life. In this study, an eye tracking supported human factors testing was performed to reveal problems during use and test the trainings' effectiveness. In total 32 HeartWare HVAD patients (including 6 pre-VAD patients) and 3 technical experts as control group performed a battery change (BC) and a controller change (CC) as an everyday and emergency scenario on a training device. By tracking the patients' gaze point, task duration and pump-off time were evaluated. Patients with LVAD support ≥1 year showed significantly shorter BC task duration than patients with LVAD support <1 year (p = 0.008). In contrast their CC task duration (p = 0.002) and pump-off times (median = 12.35 s) were higher than for LVAD support patients <1 year (median = 5.3 s) with p = 0.001. The shorter BC task duration for patients with LVAD support ≥1 year indicate that with time patients establish routines and gain confidence using their device. The opposite effect was found for CC task duration and pump-off times. This implies the need for intermittent re-training of less frequent tasks to increase patients' safety.
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A systematic review of psychosocial design considerations for the next generation of mechanical circulatory support. Heart Lung 2021; 50:397-406. [PMID: 33621838 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomedical engineers are developing new mechanical circulatory support pumps. Clinicians are generating and analysing new evidence for their prescription and management. Industrial designers are generating usable solutions for wearable components and controllers. However, psychosocial considerations may be falling between the cracks of the three disciplines because of their multi-faceted nature. OBJECTIVES This article seeks to identify psychosocial needs raised in previous work, re-frame them as needs for future products and services, and discuss routes to solutions. METHODS SLR extracted 225 statements on psychosocial considerations from 42 included articles. 23 codes were inductively generated and applied to relevant datapoints. Codes were consolidated under 4 main themes and re-framed as solvable problems. RESULTS Identified themes: expanded remote care, improved multidisciplinary management tools, creating easier interactions; and extending patient engagement. CONCLUSIONS Design-driven methods have been used to solve analogous problems in other contexts and can address the identified psychosocial problems if implemented fully.
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