Patients’ perceived care needs whilst waiting for a heart or lung transplant

Yorke, J; Cameron-Traube, E

Abstract

Aim. To explore the perceptions of caring and expectations of nursing care in
patients on a heart and/or lung transplant waiting list.
Background. The waiting period for a heart or lung transplant can be very
stressful and demanding for patients and their families. Care during the waiting
period needs to be aimed at treating the symptoms and complications of patients’
underlying condition and also specific issues related to organ transplant
candidacy.
Method. A qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with 22
patients on a heart and/or lung transplant waiting list was used. Participants
were interviewed on three separate occasions.
Findings. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed five major themes related to
the nursing care needs of heart and lung transplant candidates. The themes were
identified as information giving, maintenance of regular contact, familiarity,
positive thinking and compassionate manner. These were five key aspects of
communication within the nurse–patient relationship and formed the essence
of caring as perceived by patients awaiting heart and/or lung transplantation.
Conclusion. Transplant candidates often experience prolonged waiting times for a
transplant which is often laden with uncertainties and stress. This study provided
an in-depth description of patients’ perceptions of caring and their nursing care
needs whilst on a heart and lung transplant waiting list.
Relevance to clinical practice. The findings provide useful advice to nurses about
ways they can improve care and enhance caring for patients waiting for an organ
transplant. Key elements of nursing care that foster the nurse–patient relationship
that can be incorporated into nursing care pathways have been highlighted.

Citation

Yorke, J., & Cameron-Traube, E. (2008). Patients’ perceived care needs whilst waiting for a heart or lung transplant. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17(5a), 78-87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02078.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2009
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0962-1067
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 5a
• Pages: 78-87
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02078.x
• Keywords: interviews, nursing, organ transplant, qualitative, research report
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02078.x