AimTo explore descriptions of normalcy among individuals who have lived with mechanical circulatory support for a long time.DesignReflexive thematic analysis was used for this qualitative research.MethodsA parent study, utilising constructivist grounded theory, was conducted to explore the experiences of advance care planning among mechanical circulatory support individuals. Participants spontaneously shared their experiences of normalcy, which was outside the scope of the primary study. Thus, a secondary analysis using reflexive thematic analysis was performed to explore experiences of normalcy among individuals living with mechanical circulatory support for long‐term use.ResultsTwelve transcripts were purposively sampled and analysed. Three major themes were derived from the data: acquiescence, adapting to the device and restructuring family roles.ConclusionNormalcy continued to evolve years after device implantation because individuals were not prepared to face ongoing psychosocial challenges. Clinicians and researchers must address the complex emotional and social needs related to changes in goal therapy and unanticipated transplant delays. This includes the development of support groups that are aligned with the various stages of the MCS trajectory.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareClinicians need to engage patients in conversations about disruptions to their perceived ‘normal’ lifestyle and how they plan to adapt to complex changes. Future support groups can be organised according to individuals' duration of implantation and goal therapy to reduce social withdrawal. Additionally, clinicians should assess bridge to transplant individuals' attitudes before connecting them with transplanted volunteers. Finally, clinicians can support resilience by recognising and discussing the ongoing work required to adapt to the complex changes throughout the mechanical circulatory support trajectory.ImpactPerceptions of normalcy among mechanical circulatory support individuals are subject to ongoing change. Findings will inform clinicians of the social, emotional and familial challenges that require ongoing support and resources for long‐term mechanical circulatory support individuals.Reporting MethodReporting adhered to the COREQ checklist.Patient ContributionParticipants contributed to this study by sharing their experiences of normalcy after living with mechanical circulatory support for 2 years or more.

中文翻译：

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长期机械循环支持个体的正常状态：反射性主题分析


目的探讨长期生活在机械循环支持下的个体的常态描述。DesignReflexive 主题分析用于这项定性研究。方法进行了一项家长研究，利用建构主义扎根理论，探讨了机械循环支持个体的预先护理计划的经验。参与者自发地分享了他们的正常经历，这超出了主要研究的范围。因此，使用反射性主题分析进行了二次分析，以探索长期使用机械循环支持生活的个体的正常体验。结果对 12 个转录本进行有目的的采样和分析。数据得出了三个主要主题：默许、适应设备和重组家庭角色。结论装置植入后数年常态继续演变，因为个体没有准备好面对持续的社会心理挑战。临床医生和研究人员必须解决与目标治疗变化和意外移植延迟相关的复杂情感和社会需求。这包括发展与 MCS 轨迹的各个阶段相一致的支持小组。对专业和/或患者护理的影响临床医生需要让患者参与对话，讨论他们认为的 “正常 ”生活方式的中断，以及他们计划如何适应复杂的变化。可以根据个人的植入时间和目标治疗持续时间组织未来的支持小组，以减少社交退缩。此外，临床医生应在将移植个体与移植志愿者联系起来之前评估 Bridge to Transplant 个体的态度。 最后，临床医生可以通过识别和讨论适应整个机械循环支持轨迹中的复杂变化所需的持续工作来支持弹性。影响机械循环支持个体对正常的看法会不断变化。研究结果将告知临床医生社会、情感和家庭挑战，这些挑战需要为长期机械循环支持个体提供持续的支持和资源。报告方法报告遵循 COREQ 检查表。患者贡献参与者通过分享他们在机械循环支持下生活 2 年或更长时间后的正常经验，为这项研究做出了贡献。