Organ transplantation offers a treatment of choice for patients suffering from end stage
illnesses. The aim of this IRB approved prospective qualitative study was to analyze
patients’ psychological concerns from their inclusion on the waiting list for first organ
transplantation (TX) (T1; N=71; kidney, K=30; liver, Li=11; lung, Lu=15; heart, H=15)
and six months after TX (T2; N=49; K=15; Li=10; Lu=14; H=10). Semi-structured interviews were conducted at home or in a place selected by patients. Qualitative pattern analysis (QUAPA) of the verbatim transcriptions was applied.
T1
(K) Patients maintained an apparent normality (87%), building emotional protection
(23%), and developing a fatalist attitude towards life (43%).
(Li) Physical limits were set to spare energy until TX (73%). Illness led to reevaluation
of life values (66%).
(Lu) Physical and psychological self-protection was prioritized when health declined
(67%). Modified life values, fatalism (33%) and spirituality (27 %) were mentioned.
(H) Patients husbanded physical (80%) and psychological (67%) resources and self-protection. Modified life values and fatalist attitude towards life were reported (40%).
T2
(K) New perspective on life was described, with increase of empathy towards others (20%).
(Li) Positive identity and life values modifications (60%), greater openness towards others, closeness to significant ones (30%) and a more self-centered attitude (30%) prioritizing the essential (20%) were reported. Lack of respect of life values generated anger (40%).
(Lu) Setting existential priorities and increase in spirituality (64%), along with the
development of new life values, greater openness to others (57%) and closeness to significant ones (21%) were underlined. Lack of respect of human values induced negative feelings (36%). Self-centered attitudes, setting limits to other people were mentioned (29%).
(H) Change in life values with setting life priorities was reported (70%) with increase in spirituality, and the lack of respect of life values generated anger (50%). Self-centered attitudes were reported (60%).
TX not only comes with positive physical benefits, but also with positive existential values and psychological transformation, and the development of a more altruistic attitude and humanistic values.