Relative's experiences before and after a heart or lung transplantation

Relatives take on great responsibilities during patients' heart or lung transplant process and an understanding for their situation is required.

To describe relative's experiences before and during the patient's hospital stay as well as during the first 6 months after a heart or lung transplantation.

Using qualitative content analysis, 15 relatives (eight women and seven men) aged 36-65 years were interviewed within 6 months of a heart or lung transplantation.

Three categories that illuminate relatives' experiences have been identified: "Navigate specific circumstances," "Facilitate throughout the transplantation journey" and "Experiences of strength and weakness of information and support." The relatives reported involvement in the transplantation decision, peer support, information seeking, burden and coping.

Greater awareness about relatives' experiences with identification of appropriate support and information exchange between health care professionals and relatives is important. This awareness could provide benefits for heart or lung transplant patients, families and health care organizations.