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Paediatric heart/heart-lung transplantation: A systemic perspective on assessment and preparation
Insights
This study details a psychosocial team's decade-long experience with pediatric heart/heart-lung transplantation. It emphasizes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach for children and families undergoing this life-saving procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Transplant Medicine
- Psychosocial Support
Background:
- A decade of experience within a pediatric heart/heart-lung (H/HLT) program.
- Over 350 children assessed, 240 listed, and 160 transplanted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a multidisciplinary and comprehensive psychosocial approach for pediatric H/HLT candidates and their families.
- To highlight key considerations for effective psychosocial care in pediatric transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Experience-based description of a psychosocial team's work.
- Focus on a multidisciplinary and comprehensive care model.
- Analysis of key issues encountered over 10 years.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a therapeutic alliance with children and families.
- Effective involvement of children and their wider support networks.
- Understanding and addressing family dynamics, belief systems, and power imbalances.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive, multidisciplinary psychosocial approach is crucial for pediatric H/HLT programs.
- Addressing cultural, ethnic, and spiritual beliefs enhances patient and family care.
- Acknowledging and managing the child/family-professional power dynamic is vital for successful outcomes.
Abstract:
This paper is based upon our experience as a psychosocial team working on the paediatric heart/heart-lung (H/HLT) programme for the last 10 years. During this time more than 350 children have been assessed, 240 have been put onto an active waiting list and 160 have had transplants. The essence of this paper is a detailed description of the multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to children who are being considered for heart or heart-lung transplantation, and their families. The key issues of which we have become aware are: creating a therapeutic alliance; listening to and involving the children; involving the wider network; understanding the family's illness narrative and their individual belief systems, including issues of culture, ethnicity and spirituality; acknowledging and addressing the power imbalance between the child/family and professional. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2000; 4:93-99).
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