Health and Quality of Life Outcomes (Dec 2010)

Experiences and barriers to Health-Related Quality of Life following liver transplantation: a qualitative analysis of the perspectives of pediatric patients and their parents

  • Taylor Rachel,
  • Otley Anthony R,
  • Nicholas David B,
  • Dhawan Anil,
  • Gilmour Susan,
  • Ng Vicky

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-8-150
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. 150

Abstract

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Abstract This paper examines health-related quality of life (HRQOL) experiences and barriers facing young people who have received a liver transplant (LT). Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with children and adolescents who have undergone LT and their parents. Findings indicate that LT fosters substantially improved child and adolescent HRQOL; however, young people also experience challenges such as difficulties with medication compliance, self-management of care routines, physical activity restrictions, and undesirable medical procedures. Implications and recommendations for clinical practice and research are discussed.