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Waiting for transplant: Physical, psychosocial, and nutritional status considerations for pediatric candidates and implications for care
Author(s) -
Anthony Samantha J.,
Annunziato Rachel A.,
Fairey Elise,
Kelly Vicky L.,
So Stephanie,
Wray Jo
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
pediatric transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1399-3046
pISSN - 1397-3142
DOI - 10.1111/petr.12305
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , gerontology , psychiatry
The waiting period for an organ transplant has been described as a time of tremendous uncertainty and vulnerability, posing unique challenges and stressors for pediatric transplant candidates and their families. It has been identified as the most stressful stage of the transplant journey, yet little attention has been given to the physical, psychological, or social impact of the waiting period in the literature. In this review, we discuss the physical, nutritional, and psychosocial implications of the waiting period for child and adolescent transplant candidates and the impact on their parents and siblings. We identify areas for future research and provide recommendations for clinical practice to support children, adolescents, and families during the waiting period.