TY - JOUR
T1 - Difficulties and Coping Strategies of Kidney-transplant Recipients During Their Dark Postoperative Recovery Stage After Returning Home
AU - Yang, Fu Chi
AU - Chen, Hsiao Mei
AU - Pong, Su Chen
AU - Chen, Cheng Hsu
AU - Wang, Shoei Shen
AU - Chen, Ching Min
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Elsevier Inc.
PY - 2020/12
Y1 - 2020/12
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.05.011
DO - 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.05.011
M3 - Article
C2 - 32636069
AN - SCOPUS:85087386657
SN - 0041-1345
VL - 52
SP - 3226
EP - 3230
JO - Transplantation Proceedings
JF - Transplantation Proceedings
IS - 10
ER -