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Transplantation experience as a predictor for quality of life during the first 6 months after lung transplantation
Author(s) -
Goetzmann Lutz,
Seiler Annina,
Benden Christian,
Boehler Annette,
Büchi Stefan,
Jenewein Josef,
Ruettner Barbara,
MuellerAlcazar Anett,
Weierstall Roland
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/ctr.13393
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , transplantation , lung transplantation , surgery , physical therapy , nursing
Objective Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial goal of post‐transplant care. This study investigated predictors of QoL within the first 6 months after transplantation. Methods Forty patients were assessed 2 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months post‐transplant (T3). In the quantitative part, the EuroQol questionnaire ( EQ ‐5D) and visualization methods ( Prism ) were applied. In the qualitative part, interviews were analyzed. Regression analyses were used to investigate the impact of the pictorial ratings at T1 on QoL at T2 and T3. The pictorial variables were related to the interviews for an in‐depth analysis. Results There was an increase in QoL between T1 and T2 that remained stable from T2 to T3. Smaller distances in the variable Prism _ Lung (acceptance of the lung) and larger distances in the variable Prism _ Transplantation (distance to the transplantation experience) were related to the increase in QoL between T1 and T2 and to an higher QoL at T2. High‐QoL patients were able to create an equilibrium of defense and acceptance. Conclusion Psychological processes early after transplant are of significance for the development of QoL within the 6 months following the surgery. These insights demonstrate that a mixed methodological approach provides a helpful understanding of post‐transplant processing.