Publication Date

2004

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Christine Hooper

Second Advisor

Elizabeth O. Dietz

Keywords

Quality of Life, Heart transplantation, SF-36 survey

Abstract

Background: Cardiac transplantation has been a treatment option for patients with end stage heart failure for the past 35 years. As evaluation and treatment protocols emerge and evolve it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to assist the recipient in attaining the best quality of life (QOL) possible. Method: A demographic survey, along with the SF-36v2 generic survey, which measures quality of life in physical and functioning domains, was mailed to 100 heart transplant recipients in a large health plan in Northern California. The data from sixty five surveys were analyzed for any relationships between time from transplantation, employment status, expectations of transplantation and the SF-36v2 scores. General comparison to U.S. norms for the SF-36 was also performed. Results: Lower physical functioning scores were noted among participants that were not able to find work, had longer time from transplant and higher expectations. Mental health scores only achieved statistical significance in the category of recipient expectations (F<.OOOl). The physical component was the domain that was affected most by transplantation. Conclusion: Interventions, such as lifestyle management, that target improved long-term outcomes may improve this area of transplantation.

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