Exploring patient, caregiver and care team experiences of destination therapy LVAD: A multiple case qualitative study protocol

Background Advanced heart failure constitutes a major public health issue. For patients ineligible for heart transplantation, the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) as Destination Therapy (DT) is a therapeutic option that prolongs survival, at the cost of significant constraints and risks of complications. The lived experience of patients, caregivers and the interprofessional team remains insufficiently documented, particularly in the Swiss context. Objective To explore the lived experience, needs and coping strategies of LVAD-DT patients, their family caregivers, dyadic/triadic functioning, and the perceptions of healthcare professionals involved in their care. Methods and Analysis This exploratory qualitative study uses a multiple case study design grounded in a social constructivist paradigm. Data will include individual and dyadic/triadic semi-structured interviews, one focus group with healthcare professionals, sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as field notes. Qualitative data will be treated with thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke (2006), combining inductive and deductive approaches, and into both intra- and inter-case analyses.