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Related Experiment Videos

Spouses' experiences in heart transplantation.

Alice H McCurry1, Sandra P Thomas

  • 1Carson-Newman College, Division of Nursing, USA.

Western Journal of Nursing Research
|February 23, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Spouses of heart transplant recipients experience a profound "death-life" transition, marked by vigilance and adaptation. Healthcare providers should recognize spouses as vital coparticipants in the cardiac transplant journey.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Heart transplantation is a life-altering event for patients and their spouses.
  • Previous research has not fully captured the multifaceted experiences of spouses post-transplant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore and describe the lived experiences of spouses of individuals who have undergone heart transplantation.
  • To identify key themes and challenges faced by spouses during the cardiac transplant process.

Main Methods:

  • A phenomenological approach was employed.
  • In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with spouses.
  • Thematic analysis was used to interpret interview transcripts.

Main Results:

  • Four dominant themes emerged: death-life, vigilance, change, and gift.
  • The death-life theme, reflecting the shift from imminent loss to continued life, was pervasive.
  • Spouses reported ongoing vigilance and difficulty relinquishing it, alongside significant life changes.
  • The donor organ and family were perceived as profound gifts, with time experienced as a continuous, interwoven aspect of the experience.

Conclusions:

  • Spouses undergo significant existential and practical changes, often not fully appreciated in prior studies.
  • The concept of 'gift' extends beyond the organ to include the donor and family.
  • Spouses desire recognition as active coparticipants in their loved one's cardiac transplant journey.

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