Patients’ Early Post-Operative Experiences with Lung Transplantation: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Annina Seiler (), Richard Klaghofer, Natalie Drabe, Chantal Martin-Soelch, Vera Hinderling-Baertschi, Lutz Goetzmann, Annette Boehler, Stefan Buechi and Josef Jenewein
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Annina Seiler: University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich
Richard Klaghofer: University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich
Natalie Drabe: University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich
Chantal Martin-Soelch: University of Fribourg
Vera Hinderling-Baertschi: University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich
Lutz Goetzmann: Segeberger Kliniken
Annette Boehler: University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich
Stefan Buechi: Clinic for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics Hohenegg
Josef Jenewein: University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich

The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, 2016, vol. 9, issue 6, No 7, 547-557

Abstract: Abstract Background and Objectives Lung transplantation is a complex medical treatment, and for patients with end-stage lung diseases it is often the last therapeutic option available for survival. However, lung transplantation poses not only a physical but also a psychological challenge for patients. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of patients’ individual concerns related to their lung transplantation within the first 6 months post-transplant. Methods Forty lung transplant patients were interviewed at three different measurement timepoints post-transplant (T1: 2 weeks; T2: 3 months; and T3: 6 months) using semi-structured interviews to address their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes with respect to the transplantation process, their new lungs, and their medication. Interviews were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. Results “Physical complaints”, “fear of organ rejection”, “side effects of medication”, and “restrictions in everyday life” were the most frequently named concerns within the first 6 months post-transplant. Most themes remained unchanged over time, whereas mentions of restrictions in everyday life increased significantly over the three assessments. Conclusions Although the majority of the patients experienced considerable improvements in physical health after transplantation, they simultaneously reported that they were suffering from physical complaints, fear of organ rejection and infections, medication adverse effects, and restrictions in everyday life. For patients, lung transplantation therefore often means replacing one disease with another. Healthcare providers are challenged to support patients in dealing with this unresolvable dilemma.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s40271-016-0174-z

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