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Nursing and Psychosocial Issues of Patients on Mechanical Support
Author(s) -
Buda Tiffany M.,
Kendall Kay
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of cardiac surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1540-8191
pISSN - 0886-0440
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2001.tb00510.x
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , nursing , psychosocial support , phase (matter) , population , medical emergency , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , chemistry , organic chemistry , environmental health
A bstract Mechanical support technology continues to evolve. Ongoing research has lod to more efficient devices allowing for discharge to outpatient or home settings. From December of 1991 to July 31, 2000 the Cleveland Clinic Foundation has placed 240 mechanical support devices. These include 173 HeartMate devices of the Pneumatic or Vented Electric models, 56 Novacors, and 11 Thoratecs. Patients placed on mechanical support potentially proceed through six phases of support. This begins with the evaluation process and progrosses through the perioperative phase, the intensive care phase, the regular nursing floor phase, discharge, and transplantation. We have developed a specialized team to care for this patient population. As a result, the nursing and psychosocial care of patients on mechanical support has advanced over years of experience. We have been able to identify specific nursing and psychosocial issues that develop through the phases of support. Becoming aware of these issues will assist in a successful outcome for the patient.