Fu-Chi Yang1, Hsiao-Mei Chen2, Su-Chen Pong3, Cheng-Hsu Chen4, Shoei-Shen Wang5, Ching-Min Chen6. 1. College of General Education, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. 2. Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. 3. Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. 4. Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan. 5. Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, and School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University College of Medicine, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Electronic address: wangp@ntu.edu.tw. 6. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. Electronic address: chingmin@mail.ncku.edu.tw.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Kidney Transplantation (KT) is the best treatment for end-stage renal disease to prolong patients' lives. To improve patients' postoperative survival rate and quality of life, postoperative care at home is vital. We explored the difficulties faced and coping strategies used by KT recipients during their dark postoperative recovery stage at home. METHODS: This qualitative, exploratory study used a purposive sample, which was obtained from a leading medical center in Taiwan. We used a semi-structured interview guide to collect data through in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Data were content analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty individuals were approached and agreed to participate (30 men, 20 women). Participants' post-KT timeframe ranged from 2 to 28 years. Seven difficulties were reported: 1. physical discomfort and treatment side-effects; 2. concern about the impact of transplant failure; 3. uncertainty about the future; 4. unbearable economic pressure; 5. concerns about becoming a family burden; 6. feeling that life lacks a purpose; and 7. feeling isolated. Coping strategies included 1. seeking assistance from health care professionals, 2. thinking positively, 3. changing one's lifestyle, 4. setting goals to divert attention, 5. seeking psychological, and 6. seeking spiritual support. CONCLUSIONS: By elucidating KT recipients' adaptability and coping strategies, we hope to improve their quality of life at home. Health care professionals should be aware of the difficulties faced by patients during their dark postoperative recovery stage and promote effective coping strategies. This study informs future research and has implications concerning the effective coordination of transplant medical teams.
INTRODUCTION: Kidney Transplantation (KT) is the best treatment for end-stage renal disease to prolong patients' lives. To improve patients' postoperative survival rate and quality of life, postoperative care at home is vital. We explored the difficulties faced and coping strategies used by KT recipients during their dark postoperative recovery stage at home. METHODS: This qualitative, exploratory study used a purposive sample, which was obtained from a leading medical center in Taiwan. We used a semi-structured interview guide to collect data through in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Data were content analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty individuals were approached and agreed to participate (30 men, 20 women). Participants' post-KT timeframe ranged from 2 to 28 years. Seven difficulties were reported: 1. physical discomfort and treatment side-effects; 2. concern about the impact of transplant failure; 3. uncertainty about the future; 4. unbearable economic pressure; 5. concerns about becoming a family burden; 6. feeling that life lacks a purpose; and 7. feeling isolated. Coping strategies included 1. seeking assistance from health care professionals, 2. thinking positively, 3. changing one's lifestyle, 4. setting goals to divert attention, 5. seeking psychological, and 6. seeking spiritual support. CONCLUSIONS: By elucidating KT recipients' adaptability and coping strategies, we hope to improve their quality of life at home. Health care professionals should be aware of the difficulties faced by patients during their dark postoperative recovery stage and promote effective coping strategies. This study informs future research and has implications concerning the effective coordination of transplant medical teams.