BACKGROUND: The literature indicates few studies on kidney patients' perception of the donor kidney. In light of this fact, we decided to explore this issue with adult patients. METHODS: We carried out a phenomenological study with 40 adult kidney patients. RESULTS: In this study, three main themes became apparent: the savior, gratitude, and feelings of intense responsibility for the kidney. The patients' perception of the kidney as a savior was evident in statements where patients spoke of being "reborn" and of the kidney as "a distinct being." Their sense of gratitude was evident in their description of the kidney as "a gift of life," in their comments on their improved, "quality of life" and sense of leading a "normal life." Feelings of intense responsibility for the kidney were also present: "always on my mind," "precious being," "uncertainty," and "contract." This study's unique finding was recipients' desire to enter a contract with the transplanted kidney in order to prevent the risk of rejection. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in addition to the physiological care of kidney patients' during the pre- and postoperative phases, there is also an important psychological component. This demonstrates that the success of a kidney transplant does not only depend on the physical care given to the patient but also on the emotional support provided by those around them. Accordingly, healthcare providers should support the patients' emotional needs in a number of ways as suggested in the discussion.
BACKGROUND: The literature indicates few studies on kidney patients' perception of the donor kidney. In light of this fact, we decided to explore this issue with adult patients. METHODS: We carried out a phenomenological study with 40 adult kidney patients. RESULTS: In this study, three main themes became apparent: the savior, gratitude, and feelings of intense responsibility for the kidney. The patients' perception of the kidney as a savior was evident in statements where patients spoke of being "reborn" and of the kidney as "a distinct being." Their sense of gratitude was evident in their description of the kidney as "a gift of life," in their comments on their improved, "quality of life" and sense of leading a "normal life." Feelings of intense responsibility for the kidney were also present: "always on my mind," "precious being," "uncertainty," and "contract." This study's unique finding was recipients' desire to enter a contract with the transplanted kidney in order to prevent the risk of rejection. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in addition to the physiological care of kidney patients' during the pre- and postoperative phases, there is also an important psychological component. This demonstrates that the success of a kidney transplant does not only depend on the physical care given to the patient but also on the emotional support provided by those around them. Accordingly, healthcare providers should support the patients' emotional needs in a number of ways as suggested in the discussion.
Authors: Martin Howell; Germaine Wong; John Rose; Allison Tong; Jonathan C Craig; Kirsten Howard Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2016-01-25 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Javier Roberti; Amanda Cummings; Michelle Myall; Jonathan Harvey; Kate Lippiett; Katherine Hunt; Federico Cicora; Juan Pedro Alonso; Carl R May Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-09-04 Impact factor: 2.692