OIS LEADER

Open innovation for user centered design of left ventricular assist device peripherals

What is the project about?

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are an established treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Ongoing advances in pump technology and implantation techniques have led to excellent clinical outcomes, including a one-year survival rate of approximately 83%. However, an LVAD system consists not only of the implanted pump but also of external, wearable components—such as the controller and batteries—which are more susceptible to technical malfunctions. Improving the usability and user experience of these peripheral devices is therefore essential.

The OIS LEADER project provided a unique platform for transparent dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to support the user-centred development of LVAD technologies. Participants discussed and evaluated concepts for LVAD peripheral devices, first in small groups and subsequently in interdisciplinary workshops, working together to develop solutions that reflected the perspectives of everyone involved in the LVAD patient journey.

The project focused on two main research questions:
1. What are the highest-priority research topics for the development of future LVAD peripheral devices?
2. Do the preferences of different stakeholder groups—including members of the public, patients, clinicians, and manufacturers—differ, and can a shared understanding of user needs and a consensus on user-centred peripheral device design be achieved?

What is the goal of the project?

The aim of this project was to provide all stakeholders involved in LVAD therapy with the opportunity to test future concepts for carrying and wearing LVAD peripheral devices. Participants first discussed these concepts in small stakeholder-specific groups—comprising patients, family caregivers, and members of the general public, as well as clinicians and researchers—and subsequently in interdisciplinary workshops.

In addition, participants collaboratively identified, prioritised, and discussed future research topics related to LVAD technology. Through a consensus-based process, these priorities were reviewed and jointly ranked to establish a shared research agenda that reflected the perspectives of all stakeholder groups.

Who participates in the project?

Active LVAD patients; former LVAD patients who have undergone heart transplantation; family caregivers; members of the general public without specialist knowledge; cardiac surgeons; VAD coordinators; researchers; LVAD manufacturers.

How are participants involved in the project?

A one-day workshop was held, consisting of morning discussions in two separate small groups—one comprising patients, family caregivers, and members of the general public, and the other comprising clinicians and researchers—followed by an afternoon discussion in a combined interdisciplinary group. The workshop brought together all key stakeholders involved in LVAD therapy to ensure that a broad range of perspectives informed the discussion and the project's outcomes.

How are participants recruited for the project?

Flyers and posters

What are the results of the project?

Both workshop groups completed a questionnaire comprising 25 multiple-choice questions on the presented and tested concepts for carrying and wearing LVAD peripheral devices. Participants also ranked and prioritised future research topics related to LVAD therapy. Furthermore, 50% of participants reported that the workshop and the discussions with a diverse range of stakeholders had changed, or rather changed, their perspective on LVAD peripheral devices, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary dialogue and co-creation.

What value and impact has the project achieved?

This OIS project provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders involved in LVAD therapy to better understand each other's perspectives. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions about different concepts for carrying and wearing LVAD peripheral devices, fostering greater awareness of the needs, priorities, and experiences of other stakeholder groups. The workshop also enabled members of the public to engage directly with both active LVAD patients and former LVAD patients who had undergone heart transplantation. Rather than discussing device concepts in isolation, participants gained valuable insights into what it is like to live with an LVAD, promoting empathy and a deeper understanding of the patient experience. By directly involving patients, family caregivers, and members of the public, the project also increased awareness of scientific research, strengthened participants' understanding of the research process, and helped build trust in science and research.

Project lead

Thomas Schlöglhofer, MSc
Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Cardiovascular Research,
Universitätsklinik für Herzchirurgie, Medizinische Universität Wien

gubznf.fpuybrtyubsre@zrqhavjvra.np.ng