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Children's experiences and expectations of kidney transplantation: A qualitative interview study
Author(s) -
Walker Rachael C.,
Naicker Derisha,
Kara Tonya,
Palmer Suetonia C.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
nephrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1440-1797
pISSN - 1320-5358
DOI - 10.1111/nep.13405
Subject(s) - medicine , transplantation , thematic analysis , kidney transplantation , coping (psychology) , anxiety , qualitative research , dialysis , life expectancy , quality of life (healthcare) , focus group , clinical psychology , nursing , psychiatry , surgery , social science , population , environmental health , marketing , sociology , business
Aim Kidney transplantation offers improved quality of life and life expectancy compared with dialysis for children. This study aims to understand the experiences and expectations of children during the kidney transplantation process to inform clinical care. Methods Face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 children and adolescents aged between 7 and 17 years in New Zealand who had received a kidney transplantation. Findings were conceptualized using thematic analysis with inductive coding. Results Three major themes were identified: transplant as the goal (the only real treatment and escaping dialysis); dealing with negative emotions (coping with anxiety and fear, guilt for siblings and burden of parent as donor); and enhancing understanding and knowledge (individualised education and reassurance from peer support). Conclusion Children and adolescents view transplantation as freedom from dialysis and return to a more normal life. Children focus on the positive aspects of transplantation to reduce anxiety and be reassured in the face of uncertainty. Complex emotions arise when thinking about their donor. Children recognize transplantation is not a return to full health and actively seek out ways to self‐manage their care, while remaining anxious about their future.