Information needs of mothers of children who have had liver transplants

In this exploratory study, the information needs of eight mothers regarding the five liver transplant phases their children experienced were identified using Lazarus's stress framework. A 13-item, open-ended interview guide elicited information needs during the pretransplant, intraoperative, intensive care unit, recovery, and discharge phases. Using content analysis and descriptive statistics, the mothers' primary information needs were knowledge of the liver laboratory values, indications of rejection and infection, and ways to emotionally support their children. Mothers needed the most information during the pretransplant and recovery phases.