Beyond Survival: Unveiling Psychological and Social Adaptation After Visceral Transplantation

Abstract

Aim

To explore the meaning of adaptation after visceral transplantation in terms of patient experiences, symptoms, self-efficacy, transplant-specific and mental well-being.

Design

A convergent parallel mixed-methods study, consisting of interviews and generic as well as transplant-specific questionnaires. Results were integrated using meta-inference.

Methods

The study comprises a population of 17 visceral transplant recipients in Scandinavia, 12 women and 5 men with a mean age of 40.6 years (range 19–63 years) and an average follow-up of 9.4 years (range 0–25 years). Data were collected between May 2023 and January 2024 through open-ended in-depth interviews with 12 participants and analysed in accordance with phenomenological hermeneutics. Questionnaires from all 17 participants were analysed to measure transplant-specific well-being, symptoms, self-efficacy as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Results

Being a visceral transplant recipient is a dynamic and life-long adaptation process that comprises two distinct yet interconnected trajectories: coherence and endurance. Coherence involves the person's ability to make sense of their situation and find meaning despite the challenges and adversity of the chronic condition. In contrast, endurance involves a person's capacity to withstand hardship and endure unpleasant or difficult experiences. Both trajectories interact dynamically, influencing and reinforcing each other. Resilience based on coherence enabled acceptance and adjustment. Conversely, uncertainty, resignation and feeling unsupported resulted in a lack of acceptance, manifested as resistance. The challenge involved in adaptation was demonstrated by 47% showing borderline elevated or elevated levels of anxiety and 18% reporting symptoms of depression. Self-efficacy varied considerably.

Conclusion

The meaning of adaptation after visceral transplantation in terms of experiences, symptoms, transplant-specific and mental well-being is balancing between coherence and endurance facilitated by acceptance and hampered by resistance. The uncertainty inherent in being a visceral transplant recipient may lead to heightened self-rated anxiety symptoms and diminished self-efficacy.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

What problem did the study adress?

This study adresses the challenges involved in being a visceral transplant recipient and adapting to life after a visceral transplantation.

What were the main findings?

Reporting Method

COREQ checklist (consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution was organised.