Experiences of patients called to hospital for a renal transplant

When patients develop end stage renal failure (ESRF) the effects can be devastating. Patients perceive transplantation as a solution to their many problems and it is often the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of patients with ESRF when called to the hospital for a renal transplant. Semi-structured interviews were taped, transcribed and a thematic data analysis carried out. Results demonstrated that patients felt they were given adequate support on arrival at hospital but they found the wait to determine if they were a suitable match for the kidney difficult. There was evidence that some patients coped with the situation by shutting out negative possibilities.