Article

PURPOSE: End stage heart failure and transplant present great opportunities and
challenges for patients of all ages. However, young adulthood may present
additional specific challenges associated with the development of identity,
career and romantic relationships. Despite recognition of greater mortality rates
in young adults, consideration of the experience of transplant during this life
stage has been largely overlooked in the literature. The aim of this study was to
explore the experience of heart transplant in young adults. METHOD: Interviews
were conducted with nine participants across three transplant services in the
United Kingdom and the data subject to interpretative phenomenological analysis.
RESULTS: Analysis identified three themes. "Separating from illness" and "working
toward normality" involved limiting the influence of illness on identity, as well
as reengaging with typical functioning in young adulthood. "Integrating
transplant into identity" involved acknowledging the influence of living with a
shortened life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS: The need for support that recognizes
specific challenges of transplant as a young adult is discussed (e.g. the
development of age specific end of life pathways, improved communication between
transplant recipients, their families and teams), including consideration of the
impact of societal discourses (e.g. gift of life) which provided additional
challenges for patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Heart transplant
presents specific challenges according to the recipient's life stage. The needs
of young adult recipients should be considered. Transplant professionals should
consider providing opportunities for peer support and addressing the identities
and values of young adult transplant recipients during rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS