Effect of communication on the quality of life of renal transplant recipients

Abstract

This descriptive exploratory Study with 20 Renal Transplant Recipients employed a semi-structured interview based on (P.A.I.S.) Psycho-Social Adjustment to Illness Scale (Morrow,et.al., 1978) to investigate whether the Recipients are given ENOUGH information pre and post Transplantation. 15 Recipients, (75%) of the Sample, felt that they were neither given enough Information about their Health nor on Sexual Physiology post Transplantation. 16 Recipients, (80%), were not given Information on how to detect early signs of Rejection. Several Consequences were detected on their Quality of Life as a result of Lack of Knowledge. Free comments, not elicited by questions, revealed their eagerness for more Information. It is suggested that Written Information, backed up by Seminars at the Follow-Up Visit post Transplantation, will enhance their Quality of life. This Study demonstrates that the establishment of a Specialist Transplant Coordinator and the foundation of a Renal Transplant Association in Malta will provide a valuable way of giving information.