Annina Seiler1, Richard Klaghofer2, Natalie Drabe2, Chantal Martin-Soelch3, Vera Hinderling-Baertschi2, Lutz Goetzmann4, Annette Boehler2, Stefan Buechi5, Josef Jenewein2. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Haldenbachstrasse 18, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. annina.seiler@usz.ch. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Haldenbachstrasse 18, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland. 3. Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland. 4. Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Segeberger Kliniken, Bad Segeberg, Germany. 5. Clinic for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics Hohenegg, Meilen, Switzerland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation is a complex medical treatment, and for patients with end-stage lung diseases it is often the last therapeutic option available for survival. However, lung transplantation poses not only a physical but also a psychological challenge for patients. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of patients' individual concerns related to their lung transplantation within the first 6 months post-transplant. METHODS: Forty lung transplant patients were interviewed at three different measurement timepoints post-transplant (T1: 2 weeks; T2: 3 months; and T3: 6 months) using semi-structured interviews to address their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes with respect to the transplantation process, their new lungs, and their medication. Interviews were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: "Physical complaints", "fear of organ rejection", "side effects of medication", and "restrictions in everyday life" were the most frequently named concerns within the first 6 months post-transplant. Most themes remained unchanged over time, whereas mentions of restrictions in everyday life increased significantly over the three assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of the patients experienced considerable improvements in physical health after transplantation, they simultaneously reported that they were suffering from physical complaints, fear of organ rejection and infections, medication adverse effects, and restrictions in everyday life. For patients, lung transplantation therefore often means replacing one disease with another. Healthcare providers are challenged to support patients in dealing with this unresolvable dilemma.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation is a complex medical treatment, and for patients with end-stage lung diseases it is often the last therapeutic option available for survival. However, lung transplantation poses not only a physical but also a psychological challenge for patients. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of patients' individual concerns related to their lung transplantation within the first 6 months post-transplant. METHODS: Forty lung transplant patients were interviewed at three different measurement timepoints post-transplant (T1: 2 weeks; T2: 3 months; and T3: 6 months) using semi-structured interviews to address their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes with respect to the transplantation process, their new lungs, and their medication. Interviews were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: "Physical complaints", "fear of organ rejection", "side effects of medication", and "restrictions in everyday life" were the most frequently named concerns within the first 6 months post-transplant. Most themes remained unchanged over time, whereas mentions of restrictions in everyday life increased significantly over the three assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of the patients experienced considerable improvements in physical health after transplantation, they simultaneously reported that they were suffering from physical complaints, fear of organ rejection and infections, medication adverse effects, and restrictions in everyday life. For patients, lung transplantation therefore often means replacing one disease with another. Healthcare providers are challenged to support patients in dealing with this unresolvable dilemma.
Authors: Lutz Goetzmann; Karin S Moser; Esther Vetsch; Richard Klaghofer; Rahel Naef; Erich W Russi; Claus Buddeberg; Annette Boehler Journal: Psychosoc Med Date: 2006-06-12
Authors: Mary Amanda Dew; Andrea F DiMartini; Annette J DeVito Dabbs; Kristen R Fox; Larissa Myaskovsky; Donna M Posluszny; Galen E Switzer; Rachelle A Zomak; Robert L Kormos; Yoshiya Toyoda Journal: Gen Hosp Psychiatry Date: 2012-01-14 Impact factor: 3.238
Authors: Karin M Vermeulen; Wim van der Bij; Michiel E Erasmus; Eric J Duiverman; Gerard H Koëter; Elisabeth M TenVergert Journal: Pediatr Pulmonol Date: 2004-05
Authors: Sabina De Geest; Hanna Burkhalter; Laura Bogert; Lut Berben; Tracy R Glass; Kris Denhaerynck Journal: Transpl Int Date: 2014-04-29 Impact factor: 3.782
Authors: Emily M Rosenberger; Mary Amanda Dew; Andrea F DiMartini; Annette J DeVito Dabbs; Roger D Yusen Journal: Thorac Surg Clin Date: 2012-11 Impact factor: 1.750
Authors: Hans W Künsebeck; Christiane Kugler; Stefan Fischer; Andre R Simon; Jens Gottlieb; Tobias Welte; Axel Haverich; Martin Strueber Journal: Prog Transplant Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 1.065