Feeling and expectations of liver transplantation candidates

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the feelings and expectations of patients with chronic liver disease who were candidates for liver transplantation. This is a prospective study, qualitative, carried out  from August 2006 to January 2007 with 18 patients enrolled in a liver transplantation program in Ceara-Brazil. The data were obtained through observation and interviews. According testimonials of patients , we selected the category: feelings and behaviors; and subcategories: Happiness, fear, self-denial and hope; Expectations, anxiety, sadness and agony. The participants reported that the first reactions they felt were fear, disorientation and doubts f; in the transplant service, they felt welcomed by the professionals, expressing feelings of hope and self-confidence. Anxiety and expectation arose due to irreversibility of the disease. We concluded that the disease experience, the clinical manifestations and the waiting period for the transplant is permeated by a mixture sentiments and reactions, marked by moments of mood alterations, sadness and hope, requiring family support and attention of the assistance team.

Descriptors: End Stage Liver Disease; Liver Transplantation; Emotions; Psychiatric Nursing.