Biopsychosocial needs of patient after Liver transplantation during follow up period

Abstract

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) has been widely accepted as the standard treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and unrespectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aim of the study: assessing patient’s biopsychosocial needs as regard liver transplantation during follow up period. Design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized. Setting: The present study was conducted at liver transplantation outpatient clinic in National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute. Study subjects: a purposive sample of 30 adult patients were included in the study, their age 18-55ys, of both sexes, and follow up period start from one week after discharge. Data collection tools: Data were obtained through four tools; 1-An interviewing questionnaire for patients post liver transplantation which includes: demographic characteristics of the studied patients and their medical history, 2-Patient's biopsychosocial needs assessment questionnaire for patients post liver transplantation, 3-Patient's structured health assessment tool for patients post liver transplantation during follow up period, and 4- Factors affecting patient’s follow up post LT. Result: It was found that, sixty three percent of the studied subjects their highest needs were social needs while fifty percent of the study subjects their highest needs were physical needs. Also the finding of the study revealed that thirty six of the studied subjects had psychological needs. Conclusion: The highest needs of patients after liver transplantation during follow up period were the social needs followed by physical needs and psychological needs. Also, psychological patient related factors were the highest factors affecting the patients during follow up period after liver transplantation followed by financial patient related factors. There was statistically significant relation between patient's biopsychosocial needs and their age and income. Recommendation: The study recommended, providing discharge plan for recipient of liver transplantation include: increasing patients ’and family awareness through more explanation about liver transplantation, recovery, return to their occupational activities and coping strategies in working sites, healthy life style behavior.