Self-management with the therapeutic regimen in patients with ventricular assist device (VAD) support - a scoping review.

Abstract Background Ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation has become an established treatment strategy for the increasing number of patients with advanced heart failure. Adequate patient self-management becomes essential to prevent adverse events, which could diminish expected outcomes and survival for patients on VAD support. Objectives The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the current state of evidence concerning self-management in VAD patients through a systematized search and mapping of the literature. Methods Following the scoping review process, a comprehensive literature search (PubMed, PsychInfo), tabular synthesis of included articles, and data analysis of synthesized findings were performed. Results Overall, twenty articles were included. Results describe the complexity of regular self-management tasks and give direction for specific self-management training. Conclusions This article represents the first comprehensive overview of available evidence suggesting the need for development and implementation of evidence-based, patient self-management curricula with therapeutic regimen for VAD patients.