Pediatric thoracic organ transplants: challenges in primary care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Transplant Care
• Immunosuppression Management

Background:

• Thoracic organ transplantation is a viable treatment for end-stage pediatric cardiac and pulmonary disease.
• While numbers have plateaued, thoracic organ transplants are still significantly performed in children.
• Care for pediatric transplant recipients involves complex long-term management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the challenges faced by pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) in caring for pediatric thoracic organ transplant recipients.
• To emphasize the critical role of PNPs in providing comprehensive care to this population.
• To underscore the importance of holistic care principles in pediatric transplant nursing.

Main Methods:

• This abstract discusses the care of pediatric patients undergoing thoracic organ transplantation.
• It focuses on the role and challenges of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs).
• Key aspects of care discussed include immunosuppression, infectious disease management, and well-child principles.

Main Results:

• Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) encounter significant challenges in managing the care of infants, children, and adolescents post-thoracic organ transplant.
• Despite challenges, PNPs are integral to providing holistic care.
• The care requires managing immunosuppression, infectious diseases, and family-centered well-child practices.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are essential in delivering specialized and holistic care to pediatric thoracic organ transplant recipients.
• Effective management of immunosuppression and infectious diseases is crucial.
• PNPs' role extends to supporting the overall well-being of the child and family throughout the transplant journey.