The Dynamic Nature of Caregiving in Advanced Heart Failure With Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

Purpose of Review: Advanced heart failure is a growing global health challenge, and the use of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) as a long-term treatment has increased. This development shifts substantial responsibility to informal caregivers, who play a crucial role in patients’ daily management and wellbeing. However, knowledge about caregivers’ experiences across the entire LVAD trajectory remains limited. This review aims to synthesize available evidence on informal caregivers’ experiences of everyday life when supporting an adult patient with advanced heart failure treated with an LVAD. Recent Findings: This systematic review and thematic synthesis included 17 studies. The analysis identified ten descriptive themes related to caregivers’ experiences, which were further synthesized into four analytical themes: Before LVAD implantation, Early post-LVAD, Later post-LVAD, and End of the LVAD journey. These themes illustrate the evolving and dynamic nature of caregiving across the LVAD trajectory. In addition, one overarching analytical theme, The caregiver’s network of support, was identified. Summary: The findings highlight caregivers’ experiences of both receiving and providing support through formal and informal networks throughout the LVAD trajectory, emerging as a continuous and integral component of caregiving. The review underscores the importance of sustained and structured support for caregivers across the entire LVAD pathway, rather than support limited to specific time points.