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A systematic review of parent and family functioning in pediatric solid organ transplant populations
Author(s) -
Cousino Melissa K.,
Rea Kelly E.,
Schumacher Kurt R.,
Magee John C.,
Fredericks Emily M.
Publication year - 2017
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.12900
Subject(s) - medicine , stressor , intervention (counseling) , mental health , organ transplantation , population , transplantation , clinical psychology , psychiatry , environmental health
Abstract The process of pediatric solid organ transplantation ( SOT ) places new and increased stressors on patients and family members. Measures of family functioning may predict psychological and health outcomes for pediatric patients and their families, and provide opportunity for targeted intervention. This systematic review investigated parent and family functioning and factors associated with poorer functioning in the pediatric SOT population. Thirty‐seven studies were identified and reviewed. Studies featured a range of organ populations (eg, heart, liver, kidney, lung, intestine) at various stages in the transplant process. Findings highlighted that parents of pediatric SOT populations commonly report increased stress and mental health symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder. Pediatric SOT is also associated with increased family stress and burden throughout the transplant process. Measures of parent and family functioning were associated with several important health‐related factors, such as medication adherence, readiness for discharge, and number of hospitalizations. Overall, findings suggest that family stress and burden persists post‐transplant, and parent and family functioning is associated with health‐related factors in SOT , highlighting family‐level functioning as an important target for future intervention.