Evaluation of necessary perioperative support for pediatric liver transplant recipients

<p>【Objective】 During the time before and after pediatric liver transplantation, it is necessary to support not only the medical aspects, but also to understand other concerns in life, providing information in anticipation of daily life situations. Few studies have explored what types of postoperative support are appropriate for either the recipient or the parents. The aim of this study was to clarify the specific support requirements for parents of a pediatric liver transplantation patient, before and after transplantation.</p><p>【Methods】 During the study period, 262 liver transplant recipients and their parents at the National Center for Child Health and Development (excluding patients older than 18 years or those living abroad) were asked to respond to an anonymous survey about the patients’ need for support directly before and after surgery.</p><p>【Results】 Responses were obtained from 173 of 262 parents (participation rate: 66.0%). Response frequencies for each type of support and concern required before and after transplantation were classified into six items. The type of support needed and the concerns in descending order of importance were: medical issues, psychological support, life-stage events, being understood by others, children’s development, and others. The medical issues and psychological support accounted for 60%. In addition to these responses, various opinions such as those regarding the social security system were submitted.</p><p>【Conclusion】 Our results suggest a framework of support needs before and after transplantation, viewed from a broad perspective. Among them, medical issues and psychological support were particularly high in support needs from parents, and the necessity of support during times of transition. Further study is needed to deepen our understanding of the recipients’ needs and to improve the current support system.</p>