Predictors Of Health-Related Quality Of Life At 6 Months After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Findings From Intermacs

and 22 weeks after baseline data. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate the trajectory of the conditions of interest. Results: 46 subjects were recruited at a U.S. Midwestern LVAD center. The average caregiver was a 59 y.o. female Caucasian spouse with a high school education living with the LVAD recipient. 52% were employed outside the home. SS scores did not change significantly over time (p .42), with a mean total MOS-SS score of 3.41 1.02. The total score was significantly associated with reduced burden ( 1.7, p .001), although only 1 subscale, tangible support, demonstrated significance with reduced burden ( 1.15, p .04). Reduced burden and increased SS were independently significantly associated with improved QOL ( .75, p .001; 2.7, p .005, respectively). Only the MOS-SS affection subscale approached significance in relation to QOL ( 1.9, p .054). Conclusions: SS is associated with improved LVAD caregiver burden and QOL. LVAD and heart transplant recipients’ caregivers report similar SS, but LVAD caregivers report worse QOL. Program focus on targeted social support can improve caregiver experience.