Evaluation of a social intervention program for transplant patients: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: The intervention of social work (SW) promotes the social well-being of the patient. At the Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga” (HGM), SW has implemented the Social Intervention Program in Transplants (PRIST) throughout pre-, during, and post-transplant stages in several dimensions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the PRIST by identifying the supports perceived by patients. Methods and materials: This was a descriptive and qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, following an interview guide for evaluation and a thematic analysis. Results: Thirteen patients participated in this study, with a mean age of 36 years, 6 (46.1%) women, a mean schooling of 13 years, 5 (38.4%) with a living donor transplant, and an average age of 4.9 years after the transplant. Six themes were identified: informational support, orientation, and institutional efforts, social evaluation and educational intervention, monitoring of the process, emotional support, and leadership-empathy of SW. Conclusions: PRIST is positively evaluated by patients, responding to their needs. The specialized preparation of SW and the person-family-centered care contribute to a better intervention. It is suggested to implement the PRIST in other hospital contexts.

Keywords

• Social work. Qualitative assessment. Social intervention. Kidney transplant. Public hospital.