The lived experience of older male renal transplant recipients

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The issue of the psychosocial aspects of renal transplantation in older adults is under researched. This study aims at exploring the lived experience of older Maltese male renal transplant recipients. Method: This study used a qualitative approach. Through purposive sampling, five participants from the Maltese renal transplant list participated in this study. Data was collected through individual semi-structured audio-recorded interviews. Data was transcribed verbatim. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. Conclusion: Overall, the participants described an improvement in their general well-being. The participants described their life in the pre-transplant period, characterised by the hopelessness, limitations, physical burdens, and depressive emotions. Most of the participants showed their disbelief at the news of transplantation. They also disclosed their feelings of euphoria and symbolic-rebirth. In the post-transplant period, participants reported feelings of grief, indebtedness and guilt. They appreciated the social support provided from their family members. The participants were still burdened by another co-morbidity. The participants were noted to be sensitive to the experiences of other patients like them. Psychological support throughout the transplantation period and a decrease in the pre-dialysis waiting time may help them reduce their stressors.