A growing number of Americans are receiving left ventricular assist devices, a procedure which will change many aspects of a patient's life. To improve their experience, La Jolla, Calif.-based Scripps Health is expanding a program it currently has in place to connect patients with individuals who have already undergone the procedure.
Volunteers in the Scripps LVAD Ambassadors program can speak with patients about the surgery, recovery process and how to adapt their lives as necessitated by the LVAD in a way that others cannot.
"Having someone to talk with who has already gone through the same process can reduce anxiety and help patients better plan for what lies ahead," said Scripps cardiologist J. Thomas Heywood, MD.
Ron Cook, a Scripps patient who received an LVAD in July 2014, received assurance from ambassador Jim Bischoff.
"[Mr. Bischoff] had first-hand experience and it wasn't all positive and he was honest about that," said Mr. Cook. "Even though the staff is wonderful, they don't know what it's like to go home and go through the process of changing batteries and always having to be aware of where you are and the care you have to take to make sure that you not only survive but thrive."
The expansion will include adding more ambassadors as well as a certification process.
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