Karaciğer transplantasyonu adaylarının ve yakınlarının beklentileri ve yaşadıkları güçlükler

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate LTCs' and Relatives' LTCRs' expectations and experienced difficulties during the liver transplantation waiting process Materials and Methods: This descriptive and singlecenter study was performed in the Transplantation Polyclinic of a public hospital in Ankara. The sample consisted of 170 liver transplantation candidates and 170 patient relatives. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with participants. Results: This study reveals that the most important expectation of liver transplantation candidates during the waiting period is "a transplant operation with successful results" (70.0%), whereas liver transplantation patients' relatives are primarily concerned with the expectation that their sick relative will "regain her or his health" (80.0%). Almost all (97.1%) of the patients had physical problems, and the majority of them(87.1%) struggled with activities of daily living and experienced psychological (85.3%) and socioeconomic problems (81.8%). Patients' relatives also had problems associated with activities of daily living (80.6%) and experienced psychological (81.8%) and socioeconomic (73.5%) difficulties. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that liver transplantation candidates and their relatives experience many difficulties that impact their activities of daily living, as well as psychological and socioeconomic problems. In order to provide relief from these difficulties, liver transplantation candidates and their relatives should be given training and counseling.