Palliative care involvement in solid organ transplant: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Transplant Medicine
• Palliative Care
• Healthcare Outcomes

Background:

• Solid organ transplantation has seen significant growth due to advancements in surgical procedures, outcomes, and immunosuppressive therapies.
• Transplant programs increasingly recognize the psychosocial burden on candidates, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for successful transplantation.
• Palliative care involvement is crucial for supporting patients with complex medical illnesses leading to transplantation, impacting quality of life pre- and post-transplant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on palliative care integration in solid organ transplantation.
• To provide a conversation guide for supporting transplant patients from a palliative care perspective.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database.
• Searches were limited to English language articles published between January 1, 2015, and April 2, 2026.
• Keywords included palliative care, transplantation, solid organ transplant, and specific transplant types (heart, liver, lung, kidney).

Main Results:

• Palliative care's role in transplantation is well-documented, with heart and liver transplant groups having updated guidelines.
• Palliative care providers are encouraged to collaborate with transplant teams to enhance patient and caregiver support.
• Continued partnership is vital for managing end-stage disease and supporting patients throughout the transplant journey.

Conclusions:

• Further investigation into healthcare outcomes associated with palliative care in transplant populations is warranted.
• Optimal timing, setting, and resource allocation for palliative care teams in transplantation require additional research.