Abstract:

Physical, emotional and economic aspects of transplantation are an important life experience for the patient and the family. Good organizational success in transplantation, surgery preparation and post-operative care is extremely important as well as biopsychosocial care and rehabilitation. This study describes the post-transplant experiences of patients who underwent kidney transplantation. In this study qualitative exploratory research design was used and collecting comprehensive information about the post-transplant psychosocial experiences of kidney transplant patients was aimed at. The sample of the study was consisted of 15 participants over the age of 18 who had organ transplantation at Mediterranean University Hospital Institute of Transplantation. Data were analyzed using content analysis for which nine themes were identified as challenges of life, changes in mood, changes in self-perception, the meaning of organ transplantation for the individual, interpersonal relationships, increased productivity, coping, perception of the organ, feelings towards the donor. In this study, detailed data about biopsychosocial lives, organ perception, donor perception and coping methods were obtained after kidney transplantation. These results can make a significant contribution to nursing care in the transplantation process.

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