Life experiences in heart transplant recipients

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Heart transplantation is the gold standard for advanced heart failure.
• Post-transplant patient well-being is affected by unknown factors, including those impacting nurses' understanding.
• This study explores the lived experiences of heart transplant patients to provide a holistic view.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the life experiences of heart transplant patients.
• To gain a comprehensive understanding of all life aspects for these patients.
• To identify factors influencing patient adaptation and satisfaction after heart transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative approach utilizing phenomenology.
• Purposive sampling with 9 participants until data saturation.
• Data collected from heart transplant recipients at Esfahan's Heart Surgery Center.

Main Results:

• Eleven core concepts emerged: belief, donor family connection, bewilderment, transplant encounter, satisfaction, vital organ perception, support systems, temperament, physical effects, mental changes, and life-death paradox.
• Peer and family support are vital for coping with transplantation.
• Lack of social support and inadequate information contribute to patient distress and dissatisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Peer and family support are critical for heart transplant recipients' adaptation.
• Social isolation and lack of support are significant patient distressors.
• Current patient training is insufficient, necessitating a more active role for transplant nurse teams in patient education.