Educational program for liver transplant patients -

Abstract

Liver transplant has emerged as a treatment option for end stage liver disease and acute liver failure. These patients go through a complicated process of testing, then a major surgery, after which they need to undergo many changes in their lifestyle especially in the initial period in order to prevent and detect early complications like rejection, among others. Liver transplant is done at the American University of Beirut Medical Center and patients are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after the transplant surgery, then are transferred to an open unit for some time before they go home. There is a coordinator who follows these patients during hospitalization; however there is no structured program that guides them throughout the process from diagnosis until discharge from the hospital. The aim of this project is to review the literature and develop an educational program for patients who are planned for transplant to smoothen the process on the patients and their families and to improve adherence to the medical recommendations.The educational program was developed based on the literature on the learning needs of liver transplant recipients, and principles of adult and patient education. The program entails two educational sessions provided during hospitalization; one prior to surgery and the second close to discharge. In addition, a booklet was developed for patients to take home as reference. The booklet covers measures to identify and prevent complications following transplant; the medications to be taken, their indications and side effects; as well as lifestyle changes that patients need to undergo. The project implementation and evaluation plans are detailed.The program is hoped to improve the outcomes of liver transplants recipients by improving their knowledge and skills for coping with this procedure.