Purpose:
To explore the experiences of pre-heart transplant patients using Fitbit as an
ambulation-measuring device.
Background/Significance:
Pre-heart transplant patients with balloon pump and pulmonary artery catheters with vasopressor drips are associated with prolonged immobility.
Stroke volume is reduced, respiratory capacity decreased causing atelectasis and pneumonia; loss of muscle strength result in atrophy and decubitus ulcers. Secondary consequences include thromboembolic events; insulin resistance, delirium, and sleep disturbances.
Patients were provided a Fitbit, an activity-tracking device. The study explored the patient’s experiences with Fitbit as an ambulation-measuring device.
Methods:
Descriptive phenomenology was used. Purposive sampling of eight pre-heart transplant candidates with cardiac support devices and have ambulation orders was used. Semi-structured interview was done to understand the phenomenon.
Researchers returned to the participants to enhance credibility and validate findings. Researchers collected detailed data to report with sufficient detail and precision. Colleague of the researcher, expert in phenomenology examined the transcript’s interpretations and attested that the findings were supported by the data and are internally coherent. Audit trail will be available upon request for any inquiry. Colaizzi’s method of data analysis was used.
Results:
Using Colaizzi’s method, 144 significant statements were identified during the participant’s interviews which yielded 48 formulated meanings, 41 themes and 4 clusters of themes: Happy, Motivator, Beneficial, and Future Potential. Participants were happy receiving and using the Fitbit. It motivated them to be active while waiting for a heart in the hospital . Participants did more walking than the standard ambulation activity designed for patients. Patients expressed they slept better at night, sustained their stamina and made them feel stronger. Improved strength can support them during the post-operative recovery process
Conclusions and Implications for Practice:
Fitbit as an ambulation device helped research subjects to be active while waiting for a heart during their hospitalization. Fitbit motivated and inspired them to walk more. They stated that it had benefitted them by increasing their stamina, letting them sleep better and prevent muscle atrophy thru walking more. Some subjects claim that Fitbit will help future heart failure patients like it had helped them. Measurable variables were identified during the interviews that the team plans to incorporate on their next Fitbit study using quantitative methods.