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Asiello JD, Kelley CM, Cannone K, McInnis L, Begin A, Dittrich M, Donovan E, Beatty K, Lam N, Taubert A, Wong J. Addressing the functional needs of left ventricular assist device candidates: Development and feasibility of an occupational therapy pre-operative evaluation. Heart Lung 2024; 64:198-207. [PMID: 38301417 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Everyday living with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is complex, particularly for people with physical or cognitive impairments or limited social supports. There is a need for standardized pre-operative functional evaluations. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to describe a pre-operative occupational therapy (OT) evaluation for LVAD candidates, assess its feasibility in routine care, and characterize functional needs. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of pre-operative OT consultations for LVAD candidates over four years (n = 209). Occupational profile, vision, and sensation were operationalized from documentation narratives. Daily functioning was measured with Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, grip strength with dynamometer, cognition with Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Allen Cognitive Level Screen-5, and LVAD self-management with a performance-based ordinal scale. RESULTS 89.5 % of consultations were completed, averaging 61.2 min (n = 187): 79.1 % (148/187) inpatient and 20.9 % (39/187) outpatient. Patients completed 87.7 % (164/187) to 100.0 % (187/187) of evaluation components. 21.9 % (41/187) of candidates lived alone. 6.4 % (12/187) and 7.0 % (13/185) had visual and sensory dysfunction. 57.4 % were independent with daily activities (104/181). 17.7 % (32/181) had impaired grip strength. 69.3 % (124/179) had impaired cognition, 29.7 % (51/172) with impaired functional cognition for everyday activities. 88.4 % (145/164) required physical or cueing assistance while practicing LVAD batteries management. OTs interpreted that 20.9 % (39/187) would likely require 24/7 post-operative support with LVAD self-care. CONCLUSION Pre-operative OT evaluations were feasible and emphasized complex functional needs. Assessing LVAD self-care abilities may inform candidacy and facilitate early interventions to optimize functioning. OT should be consulted within interprofessional teams for all LVAD candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Asiello
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, United States; Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States.
| | - Christina M Kelley
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Kellie Cannone
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, United States
| | - Lauren McInnis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, United States
| | - Abigail Begin
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Marissa Dittrich
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Erin Donovan
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Kimberly Beatty
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Nicole Lam
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Alyssa Taubert
- Occupational Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - John Wong
- Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, United States; School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, United States
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