Evaluation of Patient Engagement on Driveline Infection Rates in LVAD Patients through Digital Education

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory support in the form of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can support patients with advanced Heart Failure (HF). The most common complication following LVAD implantation is driveline infection (DLI) leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. Management of the driveline insertion site by the patient at home after discharge is critical in prevention of DLI. A quality improvement project utilizing the FADE model was conducted by leveraging video-based education delivered via an electronic health portal and evaluated the impact on infection rates, 30-day readmission rates in LVAD patients, and patient engagement. Post-implementation, the DLI rates remained unchanged, 30-day readmission rates improved slightly, and patient engagement was low with newly implanted patients although higher in prior implants. Limitations included types of delivery mechanisms within the electronic health portal and overall engagement and activation of the electronic health portal. The use of video-based education allowed for consistent delivery of educational material and has the ability to impact morbidity, mortality, and costs. A multi-modal approach to LVAD education supports enhanced patient education and earlier engagement may be more beneficial to enhance utilization. Future recommendations include evaluation of timing of delivery and other delivery methodologies such as QR codes.