Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for adherence of immunosuppressive treatment in liver transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the adherence of liver transplant recipients to immunosuppressive therapy with a randomized controlled design. METHOD: This randomized controlled trial was performed with 120 liver transplant recipients hospitalized at the liver transplant department of a research and practice hospital (n = 120). While we administered no intervention to the patients in the control group (n = 60), we provided Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to those in the experimental group (n = 60). We used the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale to collect data. We utilized descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-squared tests to analyze the data. RESULTS: After the intervention, the immunosuppressive therapy adherence levels of the experimental group increased significantly (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the control group had significantly higher adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and significantly higher levels of mindfulness in the pretest phase than it did in the posttest phase (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Complete adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is imperative for the prevention of graft rejection in liver transplant recipients. In our study, the experimental group equipped with enhanced mindfulness had higher adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, the use of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the promotion of adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is recommended.

Early Survivorship After Liver Transplantation: A Qualitative Study Identifying Challenges in Recovery From the Patient and Caregiver Perspective.

Survivorship after liver transplantation (LT) is a novel concept providing a holistic view of the arduous recovery experienced after transplantation. We explored components of early survivorship including physical, emotional, and psychological challenges to identify intervention targets for improving the recovery process of LT recipients and caregivers. A total of 20 in-person interviews were conducted among adults 3 to 6 months after LT. Trained qualitative research experts conducted interviews, coded, and analyzed transcripts to identify relevant themes and representative quotes. Early survivorship comprises overcoming (1) physical challenges, with the most challenging experiences involving mobility, driving, dietary modifications, and medication adherence, and (2) emotional and psychological challenges, including new health concerns, financial worries, body image/identity struggles, social isolation, dependency issues, and concerns about never returning to normal. Etiology of liver disease informed survivorship experiences including some patients with hepatocellular carcinoma expressing decisional regret or uncertainty in light of their post-LT experiences. Important topics were identified that framed LT recovery including setting expectations about waitlist experiences, hospital recovery, and ongoing medication requirements. Early survivorship after LT within the first 6 months involves a wide array of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Patients and caregivers identified what they wish they had known prior to LT and strategies for recovery, which can inform targeted LT survivorship interventions.

Effect of Music on Fatigue, Comfort, and Vital Signs in Patients After Liver Transplant Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of music therapy on fatigue, comfort and vital signs of the liver transplant patients. The study sample comprised 120 adult patients (60 in the experimental and 60 in the control group) who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. In the experimental group, the researcher performed music therapy. After applying music therapy once to patients for 30 minutes, their fatigue, comfort, and vital signs were evaluated. No treatment was performed in the control group. According to music therapy follow-ups after liver transplantation, mean scores of fatigue levels were lower, comfort levels were higher, and vital signs were normal, with a statistical significance in the experimental group compared with the control group in all measurements before and after music therapy (P < .001). The study should be repeated using different parameters.

The Effects of a Therapeutic Play/Play Therapy Program on the Fear and Anxiety Levels of Hospitalized Children After Liver Transplantation.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to analyze the effects of a therapeutic play/play therapy (TP/PT) program on anxiety levels and fear of medical procedures in children with liver transplant. DESIGN: The study had a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. METHODS: Sixty-five children aged between 6 and 12 years were included in this study. A children's information form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and the Medical Procedure Fear Scale were used for data collection. FINDINGS: The application of the TP/PT program resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the children's anxiety levels and fears about medical procedures (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The TP/PT program had a positive effect on the children's fear and anxiety levels regarding certain medical procedures. Pediatric nurses can use the TP/PT program to reduce children's anxiety and fears about medical procedures.

An exploratory study of the experiences of deceased-donor liver transplant recipients and their need for psychotherapeutic support.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the experiences of liver transplant recipients during their journey through the treatment and their need for psychotherapeutic support related to this process. BACKGROUND: Over time, measures of survival and quality of life in liver transplant recipients have continued to improve but their emotional needs remain under explored. In the longer-term recovery from transplantation, the focus shifts from physical health to psychological health. In the UK, there are no known embedded adult psychological services in liver transplant centres to react to this need. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. METHODS: Grounded theory analysis was used to study the narratives of six adult liver transplant recipients. Through a process of coding, conceptual categories were established to describe the participant experiences. The study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist, SRQR. RESULTS: Four categories emerged that were related to the experience of liver transplantation for the recipients. These were a process of adjustment, the phenomenon of waiting, liver transplant as a transformative experience and on the value of support. The participants identified a lack of psychotherapeutic support provided by the liver transplant service and felt that an embedded psychotherapeutic service would promote accessing such support during challenging times. CONCLUSION: Through the process of liver transplantation, recipients experience challenges with adjustment, waiting, feeling transformed and they value support with these feelings. In correlation with other studies, the findings of this study highlight the need for providing psychotherapeutic support within liver transplant services. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study provides evidence to support recommendations for a conjoined psychotherapy service within liver transplant services to support patients with their holistic needs.

Quality of life, religiosity, and anxiety and depressive symptoms in liver transplantation candidates / Calidad de vida, religiosidad y síntomas ansiosos y depresivos en candidatos a trasplante hepático / Qualidade de vida, religiosidade e sintomas ansiosos e depressivos em candidatos a transplante hepático

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate quality of life, religiosity and anxiety and depressive symptoms in liver transplant candidates. Method: An epidemiological and cross-sectional study carried out with liver transplant candidates attended at the outpatient clinic of a University Hospital from 2014 to 2016. Results: Fifty (50) patients with a mean age of 52.5 years old participated in the study, predominantly male (58.0%), having access to primary education (48.0%), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease between 10-19 and having viral hepatitis as the main etiology. They presented an average quality of life score (4.1), high intrinsic religiosity index (5.6) and the presence of anxiety (52.0%) and depressive symptoms (48.0%). It was possible to observe an association between religiosity and quality of life in the worry domain, with higher non-organizational religiosity leading to higher quality of life; anxiety and depressive symptoms were not associated with quality of life and religiosity. However, patients with higher levels of education were more likely to present depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The analysis of quality of life and religiosity was significant, reinforcing the need for the care team to consider religiosity as a coping strategy for the disease.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de vida, la religiosidad y los síntomas ansiosos y depresivos en candidatos a trasplante de hígado. Método: Estudio epidemiológico y transversal, realizado con candidatos a trasplante de hígado acompañados en el ambulatorio de un Hospital Universitario, en el período de 2014 a 2016. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 50 pacientes, quienes presentaron promedio de edad de 52,5 años, predominantemente del sexo masculino (58,0%), con acceso a la educación básica (48,0%) Model for End Stage Liver Disease entre 10-19 y hepatitis viral como etiología principal. Presentaron calidad de vida mediana (score 4,1), alto índice de religiosidad intrínseca (5,6) y presencia de síntomas ansiosos (52,0%) y depresivos (48,0%). Se pudo notar la asociación entre religiosidad y calidad de vida en el dominio preocupación - cuanto mayor la religiosidad no organizativa, tanto mayor la calidad de vida; síntomas ansiosos y depresivos no asociados con la calidad de vida y religiosidad. Sin embargo, pacientes con altos niveles de escolaridad tuvieron mayor probabilidad de presentar síntomas depresivos. Conclusión: El análisis de la calidad de vida y religiosidad fue significativo, subrayando la necesidad de que el equipo asistencial la considere como estrategia de enfrentamiento de la enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida, a religiosidade e os sintomas ansiosos e depressivos em candidatos a transplante de fígado. Método: Estudo epidemiológico e transversal, realizado com candidatos a transplante de fígado acompanhados no ambulatório de um Hospital Universitário, no período de 2014 a 2016. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 50 pacientes, que apresentaram média de idade de 52,5 anos, predominantemente do sexo masculino (58,0%), com acesso ao ensino fundamental (48,0%), Model for End Stage Liver Disease entre 10-19 e hepatite viral como etiologia principal. Apresentaram qualidade de vida mediana (escore 4,1), alto índice de religiosidade intrínseca (5,6) e presença de sintomas ansiosos (52,0%) e depressivos (48,0%). Pôde-se observar associação entre religiosidade e qualidade de vida no domínio preocupação - quanto maior a religiosidade não organizacional, maior a qualidade de vida; sintomas ansiosos e depressivos não associados à qualidade de vida e religiosidade. Porém, pacientes com altos níveis de escolaridade tiveram maior probabilidade de apresentar sintomas depressivos. Conclusão: A análise de qualidade de vida e religiosidade foi significativa, reforçando a necessidade de a equipe assistencial considerá-la como estratégia de enfrentamento da doença.

Living-Donor Liver Transplant: An Analysis of Postoperative Outcome and Health-Related Quality of Life in Liver Donors.

OBJECTIVES: Living-donor liver transplant represents an established alternative to deceased-donor liver transplant. The procedure is considered safe for donors; however, concerns about the donors' health-related quality of life and health status have not been fully addressed. Here, we aimed to assess the health-related quality of life and postoperative and 1-year clinical outcomes in living liver transplant donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing liver resection for adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplant at our center between December 1999 and March 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Health-related quality of life was evaluated in a second assessment through written health-related quality of life questionnaires (the Short Form 36 assessment tool) sent to all patients who underwent liver resection for living-donor liver transplant between 1989 and 2012. RESULTS: We identified 104 patients who underwent liver resection for living-donor liver donation between December 1999 and March 2013. Postoperative morbidity was 35.9%, with 56.8% of patients having minor complications. No postoperative, 30-day, or 90-day mortality was evident. At year 1 after transplant, 30 patients (28.8%) had (ongoing) complications, of which 80% were considered minor according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Regarding health-related quality of life, liver donors were characterized as having significantly higher scores in the general health perception component in the Short Form 36 assessment tool (P < .001). We found no significant results in other assessment components (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Liver donors are characterized by an excellent health-related quality of life that is comparable to the general population. Because some donors tend to have concerns regarding their employment status after the procedure, a comprehensive and critical evaluation of potential donors is needed.

Liver transplantation and adolescence: The role of mental health.

Young people (YP) with chronic illness have higher rates of mental health problems than the general population, with psychosocial complexity associated with nonadherence and poorer health outcomes. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression in YP after liver transplantation, with autoimmune liver disease and other chronic liver diseases, identify the factors YP attribute their distress to and the relationship between anxiety/depression, and describe YP's beliefs about their illness and treatment. An electronically administered questionnaire battery was given routinely to YP attending an outpatient liver transition clinic; 187 YP participated, of which 17.7% screened positive for anxiety or depression. There were no significant differences between disease groups. This is significantly higher than the prevalence of common mental health problems in the general adolescent population. Patients most frequently attributed their distress to fatigue, sleep difficulties, financial concerns, problems at work/school, worry, and low self-esteem. Higher levels of depression and anxiety were significantly associated with specific illness and treatment beliefs but not with perceived understanding of illness or treatment control. In conclusion, the increased prevalence of mental health problems in YP and the intertwined nature of these with their physical health outcomes provide evidence that holistic care should be delivered as standard for this age group. Liver Transplantation 22 1544-1553 2016 AASLD.

"Are these adult doctors gonna know me?" Experiences of transition for young people with a liver transplant.

Excellent survival rates in paediatric LTx have resulted in increasing numbers of young people transferring from paediatric to adult care. Understanding the mechanisms of successful transition is imperative for ensuring good long-term outcomes and developing services for young people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 young people (10 females; age range: 15.2-25.1 years). Eight were within 1 year of transferring to adult services; nine had transferred. Interviews were analysed using IPA. Analysis revealed two major themes in both pre- and post-transfer groups: "relationships with healthcare professionals" and "continuity of care." Young people experienced difficulty ending relationships with paediatric clinicians and forming new relationships with adult clinicians. They expressed frustrations over a perceived lack of continuity of care after transfer and a fear of the unknown nature of adult services. The importance of a holistic approach to care was emphasized. Interventions are needed to support young people in transition, particularly in ending relationships in paediatric care and forming new relationships in adult care. Young people need help to develop strategies to cope with the different approaches in adult services. Interventions to provide clinicians with skills to communicate and engage with young people are imperative.

Cognition Predicts Quality of Life Among Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Impaired cognitive functioning and poor quality of life (QoL) are both common among patients with end-stage liver disease; however, it is unclear how these are related. OBJECTIVE: This study examines how specific cognitive domains predict QoL among liver transplant candidates by replicating Stewart and colleagues' (2010) 3-factor model of cognitive functioning, and determining how variability in these cognitive domains predicts mental health and physical QoL. METHODS: The sample included 246 patients with end-stage liver disease who were candidates for liver transplant at a large, Midwestern health care center. Measures, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, Trail Making Test, Shipley Institute of Living Scale, Short-Form Health Survey-36 Version 2, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, comprised latent variables representing global intellectual functioning, psychomotor speed, and learning and memory functioning. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the 3-factor solution model comprised of global intellectual functioning, psychomotor speed, and learning and memory functioning fit the data well. Addition of physical and mental health QoL latent factors resulted in a structural model also with good fit. Results related physical QoL to global intellectual functioning, and mental health QoL to global intellectual functioning and psychomotor functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Findings elucidate a relationship between cognition and QoL and support the use of routine neuropsychological screening with end-stage liver disease patients, specifically examining the cognitive domains of global intellectual, psychomotor, and learning and memory functioning. Subsequently, screening results may inform implementation of targeted interventions to improve QoL.

Role of Locoregional Therapy and Predictors for Dropout in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Listed for Liver Transplantation.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with removal from the liver transplantation waitlist because of death, deterioration of condition, or exceeding Milan criteria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with emphasis on the role of locoregional therapy (LRT), defined as percutaneous thermal ablation and drug-eluting embolic chemoembolization, as bridge therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients listed for liver transplant at a single institution with exception points for HCC during 2004-2012 were evaluated. The most common cause of cirrhosis was hepatitis C (68%; 121/177). Seventy-one percent (125/177) of patients underwent liver transplantation, and 83% (147/177) underwent at least 1 LRT procedure. Of the 52 patients who did not undergo liver transplantation, 31 (60%) of livers were removed because of progression of HCC. RESULTS: The likelihood of transplant was higher for patients who received LRT (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; confidence interval [CI], 2.2-7.2) and lower for patients with multifocal tumors (OR, 0.25; CI, 0.12-0.52) and with larger tumors (OR, 0.94; CI, 0.90-0.98). Time on the waitlist (OR, 0.99; CI, 0.99-1.0) was not found to correlate with removal. LRT increased the likelihood of liver transplantation, specifically for patients with prolonged wait times. Patients who demonstrated complete response (CR) to LRT on the first follow-up imaging study were more likely to undergo liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: LRT increased the likelihood of a patient with HCC achieving liver transplant, particularly in patients facing prolonged waiting times. CR after LRT significantly increased the likelihood of liver transplantation.

A psychosomatic approach to severe nausea and vomiting in liver transplant recipients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy: clinical outcome in 10 cases.

After transplant, patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy may manifest several medical and psychiatric symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We describe 10 liver transplant candidates with familial amyloid polyneuropathy who had severe somatic signs and symptoms (nausea and vomiting) after transplant. Their physical examinations were performed by physicians from different specialties. Before transplant, the patients' evaluations did not reveal relevant medical or psychiatric symptoms. After transplant, they had severe nausea and vomiting and high scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A psychopharmacological trial with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor plus an antiemetic drug was unsuccessful. Remission was obtained with tricyclic antidepressants and low-dose atypical antipsychotic agents. Previous researchers had concluded that the mental quality of life in patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy was worse after receiving a liver transplant, unlike other transplant recipients. The 10 cases described in this study are a good example of comorbid physical and mental symptoms occurring after transplant in patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. The conclusions of this study have implications for clinical practice, showing how a careful holistic approach in the posttransplant period is relevant in these cases.

Assessing psychosocial vulnerability and care needs of pretransplant patients by means of the INTERMED.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the INTERMED, a generic instrument for assessing biopsychosocial case complexity and direct care, identifies organ transplant patients at risk of unfavourable post-transplant development by comparing it to the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS), the established measure for pretransplant psychosocial evaluation. METHOD: One hundred nineteen kidney, liver, and heart transplant candidates were evaluated using the INTERMED, TERS, SF-36, EuroQol, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: We found significant relationships between the INTERMED and the TERS scores. The INTERMED highly correlated with the HADS,MADRS, and mental and physical health scores of the SF-36 Health Survey. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the validity and usefulness of the INTERMED instrument for pretransplant evaluation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the different qualities of INTERMED and TERS in clinical practice. The advantages of the psychiatric focus of the TERS and the biopsychosocial perspective of the INTERMED are discussed in the context of current literature on integrated care.

Active music engagement with emotional-approach coping to improve well-being in liver and kidney transplant recipients.

Liver and kidney transplant recipients report elevated psychological distress following transplant in comparison to other types of organ transplant recipients. Negative affective states can lead to immune dysregulation and adverse health behaviors, and therefore may contribute to disease. In contrast, positive affective states can broaden individuals' thoughts and actions to promote the accumulation of coping resources. Coping strategies have traditionally been conceived of as being either problem-focused or emotion-focused in nature, while contemporary theory and research supports a different division: approach-oriented strategies versus avoidance-oriented strategies. Emotional expression and processing may function as an approach-oriented coping strategy. Emotional-approach coping relates to the use of emotional expression, awareness and understanding to facilitate coping with significant life stressors. The current study evaluated the impact of music therapy with and without a specific emphasis on emotional-approach coping. This randomized, controlled trial aimed to use Active Music Engagement with Emotional-Approach Coping to improve well-being in post-operative liver and kidney transplant recipients (N = 29). Results indicated that music therapy using Emotional-Approach Coping led to significant increases in positive affect, music therapy using Active Music Engagement led to significant decreases in pain, and both conditions led to significant decreases in negative affect, an indicator of perceived stress/anxiety.

Waiting for a liver transplant: psychosocial well-being, spirituality, and need for counselling.

UNLABELLED: The number of patients in need of a liver transplant vastly exceeds the number of available organs; the demand worldwide for organs leads to increased waiting times and mortality of patients on the waiting list. The aim of our study was to assess the psychosocial well-being of transplant candidates and their need for psychosocial counselling. METHODS: Sixty-nine liver transplant candidates were asked about their psychosocial well-being, quality of life, spirituality, and need for counselling assessed by interview and questionnaire (HADS-D, FLZ, LOT, SOC, SF-36, SBI-15R) during the initial evaluation procedure for organ transplantation as well as 3 and 6 months after listing. RESULTS: Candidates for a liver transplant exhibited a significant limitation in the levels of their quality of life and psychological well-being, compared with the community normal samples. They showed significantly higher levels of anxiety, but lower levels of spirituality. Almost half of the candidates (47%) expressed a need for counselling during the evaluation procedure. Patients with advanced diseases reported a lower need. Age and the personality-related "Sense of Coherence" correlated negatively with need for counselling. On the waiting list, psychosocial parameters and functions remained largely stable; the need for counselling decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relevant need for psychosocial counselling during the process of liver transplant evaluation. Need for counselling is associated with personality and age, as well as with somatic parameters.

A critical review of the health-related quality of life of children and adolescents after liver transplantation.

We critically examined research on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children and adolescents after liver transplantation. The specific aims were to identify research studies on HRQL after liver transplantation, to critique the methodological quality of the studies, to estimate overall HRQL after transplant, and to make recommendations for future research. Databases searched included Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and the Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science, and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts. Searches also were made on related Web sites and proceedings of transplantation and associated conferences. Eligible studies involved children between birth and 18 years of age who received isolated orthotopic, auxiliary, or living related liver transplantation. HRQL was assessed through 2 or more of the domains of physical health, psychological functioning, social functioning, family functioning, or general well-being. Eligible studies were abstracted, assessed for methodological quality, and synthesized using the sign test to provide an indication of the effect of liver transplantation on each HRQL domain. The synthesis of findings suggested an improvement in HRQL in comparison with pretransplant status; there was a trend toward a worse HRQL in comparison with the healthy population and better than those with other chronic illnesses. In conclusion, liver transplantation in childhood has a negative impact on some aspects of HRQL. However, this finding is tentative because of the small number of studies and variable study quality found.

Mindfulness meditation to reduce symptoms after organ transplant: a pilot study.

CONTEXT: Solid organ transplant patients require life-long immune suppression that can produce distressing side effects and complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance and improve quality of life after solid organ transplantation. DESIGN: Longitudinal with evaluations at baseline, postcourse and 3-month follow-up. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Kidney, lung, or pancreas transplant recipients (N=20), aged 35 to 59 years, living in the community. INTERVENTION: An MBSR class (2.5 hours weekly, for 8 weeks), modeled after the program of Jon Kabat-Zinn. Home practice (goal: 45 minutes, 5 days weekly) was monitored. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-report scales for depression (CES-D), anxiety (STAI-Y1), and sleep dysfunction (PSQI). RESULTS: Nineteen participants completed the course. Findings suggest improvement from baseline symptom scores for depression (P=.006) and sleep (P=.011) at the completion of the MBSR program. At 3 months, improvement in sleep continued (P=.002), and a significant improvement in anxiety scores was seen (P=.043); scores for both symptoms demonstrated a linear trend and dose-response relationship with practice time. In contrast, depression scores showed a quadratic trend, and at 3 months were no longer different from baseline. A composite symptom measure was significantly improved at 3-month follow-up (P=.007). Global and health-related quality of life ratings were not improved. Effects of group support and instructor attention were not controlled, and sample size and follow-up time were limited. A randomized trial to overcome these shortcomings should be done, as symptom distress in transplant recipients appears responsive to MBSR.

[Psychosomatic medicine as a scientific approach for the 21st century]. / Psychosomatische Medizin--Eine Wissenschaft für das 21. Jahrhundert.

OBJECTIVES: Subject of the article is the future of psychosomatic medicine as a science in the 21st century. METHODS: The state of the art is reviewed from the perspective of philosophy of science and sociology. The subjects of psychosomatic research are dealt with as well as theory and research methodology. RESULTS: Psychosomatic medicine will be influenced by a decrease in concrete interpersonal interaction and an increase in interaction directed by electronic media of communication. Holistic theories will be replaced by a variety of consistent and interdisciplinary informed middle range theories. And, last but not least, naive research concepts of the subjects of psychosomatic research will be supplemented by more complex concepts due to the multiplicity of qualitative and quantitative aspects of psychosomatic phenomena. DISCUSSION: The theoretical approach developed in this article will be illustrated by concrete examples from some research projects, in particular a project on the psychology of donors in living donor liver transplantation.

The transplant experience of liver recipients: ethical issues and practice implications.

The transplant experience of 20 liver organ transplant recipients was investigated in a longitudinal study. Five primary themes were identified from analysis of recipients' interviews including concerns about: (1) quality of life, (2) quality of health care, (3) economic factors, (4) social support factors, and (5) psychological factors. These findings are analyzed within the current context of social work in health care characterized by three interactive trends: advances in medical technology, changing health care economics, and a shift in the locus of health care delivery from institutions to the community. All five themes reflect the impact of these trends and give rise to ethical issues with practice implications.

Relationship of hardiness and sense of coherence to post-liver transplant return to work.

The article reports a retrospective survey designed to determine the relationship of hardiness and sense of coherence to post-liver transplant return to work (RTW). Instruments used included Pollock's Health-Related Hardiness Scale and Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence Questionnaire. Study results were based on 230 adult liver transplant recipients responding to a mailed questionnaire. After transplantation, 63% of the participants were working. Participants with higher levels of hardiness and higher sense of coherence scores demonstrated higher RTW rates. Using logistic regression, a model comprising hardiness and sense of coherence correctly classified 90% of the participants who returned to work.