A Qualitative Study on the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Solid Organ Transplantation

Introduction: Solid organ transplantation is a lifesaving intervention requiring extensive coordination and communication for timely and safe care. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to the safety and management of solid organ transplantation. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to u...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Progress in transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 328 - 334
Main Authors:	Puerto Nino, Angie K., Batistella Zasso, Fabricio, Boonchit, Atina, Salim, Sabrin, Mirza, Raza, Ferenbok, Joseph, Mucsi, Istvan, Boon, Heather, Levy, Gary
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-12-2023
Subjects:	transplant program COVID-19 pandemic healthcare delivery responses qualitative research organ transplantation
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Introduction: Solid organ transplantation is a lifesaving intervention requiring extensive coordination and communication for timely and safe care. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to the safety and management of solid organ transplantation. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to understand how hospital stakeholders were affected by and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic to contribute toward improved healthcare delivery responses and strategies during times of systemic strain on the healthcare system. Methods: One-hour-long semistructured interviews were performed in 3 cohorts: healthcare professionals (N = 6), administrative staff (N = 6), and recipients (N = 4). Interviews were analyzed using conventional thematic content analysis. Thematic saturation was reached within each cohort. Findings: Twelve codes and 6 major themes were identified including the Impact on Clinical Practice, Virtual Healthcare Delivery, Communication, Research, Education and Training, Mental Health and Future Pandemic Planning. Reflecting on these codes and major themes, 4 recommendations were developed (Anticipation and Preparation, Maximizing Existing Resources and Networks, Standardization and the Virtual Environment and Caring for the Staff) to guide transplant programs to optimize healthcare pathways while enhancing the best practices during future pandemics. Conclusion: Transplant programs will benefit from anticipation and preparation procedures using ramping-down strategies, resource planning, and interprofessional collaboration while maximizing existing resources and networks. In parallel, transplant programs should standardize virtual practices and platforms for clinical and educational purposes while maintaining an open culture of mental health discussion and integrating strategies to support staff’s mental health.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	1526-9248 2164-6708
DOI:	10.1177/15269248231212912