Liver Transplant Recipients' First Year of Posttransplant Recovery: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

A longitudinal study of 20 liver transplant recipients was conducted to investigate their posttransplant recovery experience. Data were collected using semistructured interviews at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after transplantation. Qualitative analysis of data revealed physical, psychological, social, economic, and spiritual dimensions of recovery. Findings reflect ongoing improvement of physical health and functionality for most recipients. Those with continuing health problems often suffered from preexisting health conditions. Psychological adjustment was uneven, with intermittent periods of fear, anxiety, and depression. Some recipients reported short-lived split identities and personality changes. Social support of family was critical in the hospital and at home. Economic issues became primary by the 1-year interview, with all recipients questioning whether they could afford ongoing healthcare and medicines. Spiritual needs were met in secular and nonsecular activities. Findings suggest that healthcare personnel should attend to the lived experience of liver transplant recipients.

Poster Session #4: Economics, Programs, Growth and Psychosocial Development

“…500 recipients have since recieved a kidney by this donation method (NHSBT 2016 [1] ). Directed altruistic donation was made possible in the UK in 2013 (HTA 2012 [2] ). As this enables donation to a specified individual not previously known to the donor, it was anticipated that this was likely to occur as a result of social media campaigns.…”

“…This prevalence is high compared to the UK paediatric prevalence of 1.1%. [2] The 3 patients successfully transplanted were 7, 9 and 17 years at time of transplant, 2 out of 3 were pre-emptively transplanted with a live related donor. Their ASD severity ranged from non-verbal to high functioning autism.…”

“…[1] [2] Data from children with ESRD living in Puerto Rico (PR) is limited. We describe the pediatric population with ESRD in PR from 1993 to 2013, renal transplant rates and possible barriers to receiving a graft.…”

The effect of self‐efficacy, depression and symptom distress on employment status and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients

“…Transplantation offers recipients prolonged life spans and the potential for restored independence and productivity (Gorevski et al 2011, van der Mei et al 2011, Huda et al 2012). Patient's participation in the workforce and in leisure activities is a key aspect of their functional recovery (Jones 2005, van der Mei et al 2007a).…”

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“…31 It has also been noted that liver transplant patients need psychological and social support from both their families and health professionals. 32 In addition, Keidar and associates (2001a) 18 reported that support group interventions had a positive influence on relationships between the family members of liver, kidney, and pancreas transplant patients. Van Ginneken and associates (2011) 16 showed that exercise and diet improved patients' autonomy, roles in their families, and social relationships.…”