DONNE DONALD, RN: No financial relationships to disclose
Background: heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalization with a high cardiovascular mortality in the US. LVADS are gaining favor as a form of therapy which have better survival potential and performance. However, living with an LVAD for a long time presents an economic burden particularly patients with driveline infections.
Methods: Methods a synthesis was conducted of integrating literature review, cost analysis, and assessment of psychosocial and caregiver impact. Data sources included retrospective LVAD infection studies, caregiver burden research, and cost-of-care analyses. Economic outcomes were compared between LVAD patients with recurrent driveline infections and LVAD patients without infections. The intervention model evaluated consisted of standardized home driveline kits, quarterly patient–caregiver education, telehealth follow-ups, and logistical/financial support mechanisms. Evidence was evaluated using quality-improvement frameworks and multidisciplinary clinical guidelines. Qualitative research results also confirm that driveline infections have both economic and emotional consequences.) This research found that economic burden from driveline infections leads to increased distress in the first six months after LVAD implantation
Outcome: Several studies have established that the mechanical characteristics of the driveline increase risk for infection, a major cause of economic and physical burden. Driveline infection risk is still approximately one-third of patients within 2 years post-implantation, necessitating expensive interventions. Such complications increase health care costs, imposing a huge economic burden on the patients and health care systems
Conclusion: Driveline infections significantly increase healthcare costs, caregiver burden, readmissions, and long-term morbidity. Implementing a multidisciplinary model of telehealth monitoring, standardized driveline kits, and quarterly education reduces costs, improves outcomes, and enhances quality of life
