Compassion Strikes Back: Improving Dyadic Quality of Life for LVAD Patients and Caregivers
University of Florida
Summary
Research has shown that LVAD patients and their caregivers typically experience increased mental health concerns and decreased quality of life following LVAD implantation and hospital discharge. The purpose of this study is to explore how to improve quality of life for LVAD patients and their caregivers in the initial transition from hospital to home after LVAD implantation. Over the course of the study, participants will complete 2 surveys: one when participants are in the hospital and one at a 2-month post-hospital follow-up appointment with the participants' cardiologist. Participants may be contacted if there is data missing from surveys. Participants may also be provided with information on improving mental health in the form of handouts or a brief meeting with a psychology provider.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * LVAD implantation or caregiver or patient with LVAD; over 18 years old; primary caregiver is a family member Exclusion Criteria: * Currently or in the past 3 months received psychotherapy or psychosocial or peer support; hospitalized for psychiatric reasons in the past 6 months; current, active suicidal thoughts or a reported suicide attempt within the past year; a current alcohol/substance use disorder that required immediate treatment; or a current or past thought disorder, psychosis, or unmanaged bipolar disorder; enrolled in another investigational research/clinica…
Interventions
- OtherInformation
Participants provided handouts with information on self-compassion
- BehavioralMeeting
Participants meet with a psychological provider to receive information on self-compassion and training on how to utilize self-compassion
Location
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida