Calidad de Vida relacionada con salud en personas trasplantadas de corazón: Una revisión / Health-Related Quality of Life in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Review

El trasplante de órganos es una alternativa terapéutica para pacientes que cursan una insuficiencia terminal de ese órgano producto de una enfermedad crónica o aguda. En tal contexto, la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud es un concepto multidimensional importante para evaluar los beneficios del trasplante. OBJETIVO: Identificar los cambios en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud que experimentan los pacientes trasplantados de corazón. Método: Revisión sistemática de estudios transversales, prospectivos y cualitativos publicados en inglés desde enero 2020 a diciembre 2022 en Cochrane Library, Medline, OVID, PubMed y Web of Science, en concordancia con las guías PRISMA. Resultados: Se identificaron 43 artículos, 21 de corte transversal, 10 prospectivos y 12 de índole cualitativa además de incluir información sobre la etapa previa al trasplante. Se comprueba un significativo cambio favorable en la mayor parte de los parámetros de calidad de vida, los que incluso se muestran persistentes después de 20 años. CONCLUSIONES: El trasplante de corazón representa una exitosa alternativa terapéutica que no sólo prolonga la vida sino que permite lograr una adecuada calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. El apoyo familiar y social son elementos cruciales que impactan el ajuste y la calidad de vida durante el proceso pre y postrasplante.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplantation is a therapeutic alternative for patients with end-stage organ failure resulting from chronic or acute disease. In this context, health-related quality of life is an important multidimensional concept to evaluate the benefits of transplantation. Objective: To identify changes in health-related quality of life experienced by heart transplant patients. METHODS: Systematic review of cross-sectional, prospective, qualitative studies published in English from January 2020 to December 2022 in Cochrane Library, Medline, OVID, PubMed, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Results: We identified forty-three articles, 21 cross-sectional, 10 prospective, and 12 qualitative, in addition to including information on the pre-transplant stage. A significant favorable change in most quality-of-life parameters is verified, which is persistent even after 20 years. Conclusions: Heart transplantation represents a successful therapeutic alternative that not only prolongs life but also makes it possible to achieve an adequate health-related quality of life. Family and social support are crucial elements that impact adjustment and quality of life during the pre- and post-transplant process.

[Health-Related Quality of Life in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Review]. / Calidad de Vida relacionada con salud en personas trasplantadas de corazón: Una revisión.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplantation is a therapeutic alternative for patients with end-stage organ failure resulting from chronic or acute disease. In this context, health-related quality of life is an important multidimensional concept to evaluate the benefits of transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To identify changes in health-related quality of life experienced by heart transplant patients. METHODS: Systematic review of cross-sectional, prospective, qualitative studies published in English from January 2020 to December 2022 in Cochrane Library, Medline, OVID, PubMed, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: We identified forty-three articles, 21 cross-sectional, 10 prospective, and 12 qualitative, in addition to including information on the pre-transplant stage. A significant favorable change in most quality-of-life parameters is verified, which is persistent even after 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: Heart transplantation represents a successful therapeutic alternative that not only prolongs life but also makes it possible to achieve an adequate health-related quality of life. Family and social support are crucial elements that impact adjustment and quality of life during the pre- and post-transplant process.

The Preimplantation Psychosocial Evaluation and Prediction of Clinical Outcomes During Mechanical Circulatory Support: What Information Is Most Prognostic?

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial evaluations are required for long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) candidates, no matter whether MCS will be destination therapy (DT) or a bridge to heart transplantation. Although guidelines specify psychosocial contraindications to MCS, there is no comprehensive examination of which psychosocial evaluation domains are most prognostic for clinical outcomes. We evaluated whether overall psychosocial risk, determined across all psychosocial domains, predicted outcomes, and which specific domains appeared responsible for any effects. METHODS: A single-site retrospective analysis was performed for adults receiving MCS between April 2004 and December 2017. Using an established rating system, we coded psychosocial evaluations to identify patients at low, moderate, or high overall risk. We similarly determined risk within each of 10 individual psychosocial domains. Multivariable analyses evaluated whether psychosocial risk predicted clinical decisions about MCS use (DT versus bridge), and postimplantation mortality, transplantation, rehospitalization, MCS pump exchange, and standardly defined adverse medical events (AEs). RESULTS: In 241 MCS recipients, greater overall psychosocial risk increased the likelihood of a DT decision (odds ratio, 1.76; P = 0.017); and postimplantation pump exchange and occurrence of AEs (hazard ratios [HRs] ≥ 1.25; P ≤ 0.042). The individual AEs most strongly predicted were cardiac arrhythmias and device malfunctions (HRs ≥ 1.39; P ≤ 0.032). The specific psychosocial domains predicting at least 1 study outcome were mental health problem severity, poorer medical adherence, and substance use (odds ratios and HRs ≥ 1.32; P ≤ 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The psychosocial evaluation predicts not only clinical decisions about MCS use (DT versus bridge) but important postimplantation outcomes. Strategies to address psychosocial risk factors before or soon after implantation may help to reduce postimplantation clinical risks.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Heart Transplant Recipients Living in a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation (HT) is the treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). It is hoped that the procedure increases both survival rates and the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which may, however, be compromised by post-transplant complications. The objective of this study was to analyze the level of HRQoL in HT recipients and considered the influence of variables from social and clinical contexts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of HT recipients. The level of HRQoL was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire during outpatient consultation. RESULTS: This study analyzed 186 HT recipients from a total of 192 eligible patients. The median level of HRQoL was ≥67.8 points in all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and general score of perception of the level of quality of life (QoL) and health. Variables such as age, ethnicity, per capita income, time from last hospitalization, number of current medications, and number of hospitalizations after HT were significantly related to at least 1 domain of the WHOQOL-BREF. CONCLUSION: In this study, HRQoL of HT recipients living in a developing country can be considered satisfactory given the high score obtained in all domains of WHOQOL-BREF and in the perception of the level of QoL and health.

Association between quality of life and prognosis of candidate patients for heart transplantation: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the association between the prognostic scores and the quality of life of candidates for heart transplantation. METHOD: a descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 32 outpatients applying to heart transplantation. The prognosis was rated by the Heart Failure Survival Score (HFSS) and the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM); and the quality of life by the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The Pearson correlation test was applied. RESULTS: the correlations found between general quality of life scores and prognostic scores were (HFSS/MLHFQ r = 0.21), (SHFM/MLHFQ r = 0.09), (HFSS/KCCQ r = -0.02), (SHFM/KCCQ r = -0.20). CONCLUSION: the weak correlation between the prognostic and quality of life scores suggests a lack of association between the measures, i.e., worse prognosis does not mean worse quality of life and the same statement is true in the opposite direction.

Association between quality of life and prognosis of candidate patients for heart transplantation: a cross-sectional study / Associação entre qualidade de vida e prognóstico de pacientes candidatos ao transplante cardíaco: estudo transversal / Asociación entre calidad de vida y pronóstico de pacientes candidatos al trasplante cardíaco: estudio transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the association between the prognostic scores and the quality of life of candidates for heart transplantation. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 32 outpatients applying to heart transplantation. The prognosis was rated by the Heart Failure Survival Score (HFSS) and the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM); and the quality of life by the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The Pearson correlation test was applied. Results: the correlations found between general quality of life scores and prognostic scores were (HFSS/MLHFQ r = 0.21), (SHFM/MLHFQ r = 0.09), (HFSS/KCCQ r = -0.02), (SHFM/KCCQ r = -0.20). Conclusion: the weak correlation between the prognostic and quality of life scores suggests a lack of association between the measures, i.e., worse prognosis does not mean worse quality of life and the same statement is true in the opposite direction.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a associação entre os escores de prognóstico e a qualidade de vida de pacientes candidatos ao Transplante Cardíaco. Método: estudo transversal descritivo, com amostra de conveniência formada por 32 pacientes ambulatoriais candidatos ao transplante cardíaco. O prognóstico foi classificado pelo Heart Failure Survival Score (HFSS) e pelo Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM); e a qualidade de vida pelo Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) e pelo Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Aplicou-se o teste de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: as correlações encontradas entre os escores gerais dos instrumentos de qualidade de vida e os escores de prognósticos foram (HFSS/MLHFQ r = 0,21), (SHFM/MLHFQ r = 0,09), (HFSS/KCCQ r = -0,02), (SHFM/KCCQ r = -0,20). Conclusão: a correlação fraca entre os escores de prognóstico e de qualidade de vida sugere a não associação entre as medidas, ou seja, pior prognóstico não significa pior qualidade de vida e o mesmo ocorre no sentido inverso.

RESUMEN Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre los puntajes del pronóstico y la calidad de vida de pacientes candidatos al Trasplante Cardíaco. Método: estudio transversal descriptivo, con una muestra de conveniencia formada por 32 pacientes de ambulatorios candidatos al trasplante cardíaco. El pronóstico fue clasificado por el Heart Failure Survival Score (HFSS) y por el Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) y la calidad de vida por el Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) y por el Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Se aplicó el test de correlación de Pearson. Resultados: las correlaciones encontradas entre los puntajes generales de los instrumentos de calidad de vida y los puntajes de pronósticos fueron (HFSS/MLHFQ r = 0,21), (SHFM/MLHFQ r = 0,09), (HFSS/KCCQ r = -0,02), (SHFM/KCCQ r = -0,20). Conclusión: la correlación débil entre los puntajes de pronóstico y de calidad de vida sugiere la no asociación entre las medidas, o sea, peor pronóstico no significa peor calidad de vida y el mismo ocurre en el sentido inverso.

Assistência de enfermagem ambulatorial: percepção de transplantados cardíacos sobre a consulta de enfermagem ambulatorial / Atención ambulatoria de enfermería: percepción de los trasplantados cardiacos acerca de la consulta de enfermería ambulatoria / Outpatient nursing care: perception of the heart transplant patients onoutpatient nursing consultation

Objetivo: conhecer a percepção de transplantados cardíacos em relação à consulta de enfermagem em um ambulatório na Unidade de Transplante e Insuficiência Cardíaca (UTIC). Método: Estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado na UTIC de um hospital público, localizado em Fortaleza, Ceará, de julho a novembro de 2013, com 11 pacientes transplantados cardíacos. Os discursos foram obtidos por meio da entrevista teóricos da hermenêutica. Resultados: Os pacientes revelaram o impacto sofrido pelo transplante cardíaco e satisfação no acolhimento pelos profissionais, em especial a enfermeira. Expressaram o reconhecimento das orientações prestadas, das modificações estabelecidas nesse processo e do vínculo entre enfermeira-paciente. Conclusão: Os transplantados cardíacos compreenderam que a enfermeira age de forma humanizada, acolhedora, cria vínculos e promove o autocuidado, a fim de garantir melhorias na saúde, por meio da consulta de enfermagem ambulatorial.

Objective: this study aimed to know the perception of cardiac transplanted in relation to nursing consultation at a clinic in Transplant and Heart Failure Unit (UTIC). Method: Descriptive study of qualitative approach, conducted in UTIC of a public hospital, located in Fortaleza, Ceará, from July to November 2013, with 11 heart transplant patients. The discourses were collected through a semi structured interview and organized according to the theoretical principles of hermeneutics. Results: Patients showed the impact suffered by the heart transplant and satisfaction in welcoming the professionals, especially the nurse. Were expressed the recognition of the provided guidelines, the changes set out in this process and the relations between nurses and patients. Conclusion: The heart transplant understood that the nurse acts humanized, warmly, creates relations and promotes your own care to ensure improvements in health, through the outpatient nursing consultation.

Objetivo: el trabajo tuvo como objetivo conocer la percepción de pacientes trasplantados de corazón en relación a la consulta de enfermería en un Ambulatorio en la Unidad de Trasplante y Insuficiencia Cardíaca (UTIC). Método: Estudio descriptivo, con un abordaje cualitativo, realizado en la UTIC de un hospital público, localizado en Fortaleza, Ceará, de julio a noviembre de 2013, con 11 pacientes trasplantados cardíacos. Los discursos fueron obtenidos a través de una entrevista semi estructurada y organizados según los fundamentos teóricos de La hermenéutica. Resultados: Los pacientes mostraron el impacto sufrido por el trasplante de corazón y la satisfacción de la bien venidade lós profesionales, especialmente a la enfermera. Expresaron reconocimiento de las directrices, de los cambios establecidos en el proceso y de la relación entre la enfermera y el paciente. Conclusión: El trasplantado de corazón entiende quela enfermera actúa de una manera humana, con gusto, CREA vínculos y promueve el auto cuidado para garantizar mejoras en la salud, a través de la consulta ambulatoria de enfermería.

Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety and Coping Strategies after Heart Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION:: Heart transplantation is the therapeutic procedure indicated to increase the survival of patients with refractory heart failure. Improvement in overall functioning and quality of life are expected factors in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE:: To identify and evaluate mental disorders and symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, quality of life and coping strategies in the post-surgical situation of heart transplantation. METHODS:: A cross-sectional, quantitative study with patients who have undergone heart transplantation. Participants answered to the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Escala Modos de Enfrentamento de Problemas (Ways of Coping Scale) (EMEP) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). For data analysis, the significance level was considered P≤0.05. RESULTS:: A total of 33 patients participated in the study. The BDI-II results indicated that 91% (n=30) of the patients presented a minimal level. In BAI, 94% (n=31) of the patients demonstrated minimal level of anxiety symptoms. WHOQOL-BREF showed a perception of quality of life considered good in all domains. The EMEP data have registered a problem-focused coping strategy. According to MINI, a single case of major depressive episode, current and recurrent was recorded. CONCLUSION:: Although most participants in the sample had symptoms of depression and anxiety, only one patient was identified with moderate symptoms in both domains. The most used strategy was coping focused on the problem. Patients have classified the perceptions of quality of life as 'good', pointing out satisfaction with their health.

Clinical care of nursing reasoned in Parse: contribution in the transcendence process of cardiac transplantation. / Cuidado clínico de enfermagem fundamentado em Parse: contribuição no processo de transcendência de transplantados cardíacos.

OBJETIVO: To identify how the clinical and educational nursing care based on the Theory of Human Becoming can contribute to the transcendence process of heart transplant patients in pursuit of good living. METHOD: Research-intervention developed with four heart transplant patients linked to a reference transplant hospital in Ceara. Data was collected through interviews in 2014 and analyzed using Parse's theoretical framework and pertinent literature. RESULTADOS: Transplant patients revealed they gave living in such condition an ambiguous meaning, showing satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Dietary restrictions, difficulties with medication and curiosity about the transplant were identified as disharmonies involving the process. Care was developed focused on educating the transplant patients, approaching the themes healthy eating, organ rejection, immunosuppressant use and facts about heart transplantation. CONCLUSION: Educative care based on Parse favors the decision-making and autonomy of individuals regarding their health, contributing to transcendence in pursuit of good living.

Quality of life, depression, anxiety and coping strategies after heart transplantation

Abstract Introduction: Heart transplantation is the therapeutic procedure indicated to increase the survival of patients with refractory heart failure. Improvement in overall functioning and quality of life are expected factors in the postoperative period. Objective: To identify and evaluate mental disorders and symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, quality of life and coping strategies in the post-surgical situation of heart transplantation. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study with patients who have undergone heart transplantation. Participants answered to the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Escala Modos de Enfrentamento de Problemas (Ways of Coping Scale) (EMEP) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). For data analysis, the significance level was considered P≤0.05. Results: A total of 33 patients participated in the study. The BDI-II results indicated that 91% (n=30) of the patients presented a minimal level. In BAI, 94% (n=31) of the patients demonstrated minimal level of anxiety symptoms. WHOQOL-BREF showed a perception of quality of life considered good in all domains. The EMEP data have registered a problem-focused coping strategy. According to MINI, a single case of major depressive episode, current and recurrent was recorded. Conclusion: Although most participants in the sample had symptoms of depression and anxiety, only one patient was identified with moderate symptoms in both domains. The most used strategy was coping focused on the problem. Patients have classified the perceptions of quality of life as 'good', pointing out satisfaction with their health.

Cuidado clínico de enfermagem fundamentado em Parse: contribuição no processo de transcendência de transplantados cardíacos / Cuidado clínico de enfermería fundamentado en Parse: contribución en el proceso de trascendencia trasplantados cardíacos / Clinical care of nursing reasoned in Parse: contribution in the transcendence process of cardiac transplantation

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar como os cuidados clínicos e educativos de enfermagem, fundamentados na Teoria Human Becoming, contribuem para o processo de transcendência das pessoas transplantadas cardíacas na busca do bem viver. Método Pesquisa-intervenção desenvolvida com quatro transplantados cardíacos vinculados a um Hospital de referência em transplantes do Ceará. Dados coletados em 2014, mediante entrevistas, analisados pelo referencial teórico de Parse e literatura pertinente. Resultados Os significados de viver como transplantado cardíaco revelaram ambiguidade, mostrando satisfação e insatisfação. Restrições alimentares, dificuldades com a medicação e curiosidade acerca do transplante foram apontadas como desarmonias que envolvem o processo. Visando a mobilização da transcendência, foi desenvolvido um cuidado educativo com os temas alimentação saudável, rejeição do órgão, uso de imunossupressores e curiosidades sobre o transplante cardíaco. Conclusão O cuidado educativo, fundamentado em Parse, favorece a tomada de decisão e a autonomia dos sujeitos diante de sua saúde, contribuindo para a transcendência na busca do bem viver.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar cómo los cuidados clínicos y educativos de enfermería, fundamentados en la Teoría Human Becoming, contribuyen para el proceso de trascendencia de las personas trasplantadas cardíacas en búsqueda del bien vivir. Método Investigación de intervención desarrollada con cuatro trasplantados de corazón vinculados a un hospital de referencia en trasplantes de Ceará. Los datos recogidos en el año de 2014 a través de entrevistas, analizaron el marco teórico de Parse y su literatura. Resultados El significado de la vida como trasplantado de corazón reveló ambigüedad, que muestra la satisfacción y la insatisfacción. Restricciones en la dieta, las dificultades con la medicación y la curiosidad por el trasplante fueron identificados como desarmonías relacionadas con el proceso. Objetivando la movilización de la trascendencia, se desarrolló atención educativa con temas sanos de alimentación, el rechazo del órgano, el uso de inmunosupresores y curiosidades sobre el trasplante de corazón. Conclusión Cuidado educativo, sobre la base de Parse, favorece la toma de decisiones y la autonomía de las personas delante de su salud, lo que contribuye a la trascendencia en búsqueda del bien vivir.

ABSTRACT Objetivo To identify how the clinical and educational nursing care based on the Theory of Human Becoming can contribute to the transcendence process of heart transplant patients in pursuit of good living. Method Research-intervention developed with four heart transplant patients linked to a reference transplant hospital in Ceara. Data was collected through interviews in 2014 and analyzed using Parse's theoretical framework and pertinent literature. Resultados Transplant patients revealed they gave living in such condition an ambiguous meaning, showing satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Dietary restrictions, difficulties with medication and curiosity about the transplant were identified as disharmonies involving the process. Care was developed focused on educating the transplant patients, approaching the themes healthy eating, organ rejection, immunosuppressant use and facts about heart transplantation. Conclusion Educative care based on Parse favors the decision-making and autonomy of individuals regarding their health, contributing to transcendence in pursuit of good living.

Transplante cardíaco e seus aspectos psicológicos: uma revisão sistemática / Cardiac transplantation and its psychological aspects: a systematic review

Frente à influência dos aspectos psicológicos para o ajustamento de pacientes submetidos ao transplante, objetivou-se identificar e analisar estudos empíricos que abordaram tais aspectos em pacientes adultos no pré e no pós-transplante cardíaco...

Reasons for refusing a donor heart for transplantation in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Major advances have been made in heart transplantation, but there is a discrepancy between the number of patients potentially treatable by transplantation and the limited number of viable grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons for refusal of donor hearts. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of donor data from an organ procurement organization in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) between 2010 and 2012. Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Only 26 (7.9%) of 328 potential heart donors actually became donors. Most donors were men (18/26, 69.2%), Caucasians (14/26, 53.8%), and had a mean age of 23.5 yr. There were significant associations of use of donor hearts with the variables: brain death after trauma (p = 0.002), history of hypertension (p = 0.001), electrocardiographic changes (p = 0.007), and age (p = 0.001). Older age (n = 101, 33.4%) was the main reason for refusal of donor hearts, followed by poor medical history (n = 44, 14.6%), cardiac arrest of the donor during donor care (n = 25, 8.3%), use of vasopressor drugs (n = 23, 7.6%), and hemodynamic instability (n = 20, 6.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Age, poor medical history, cardiac arrest, use of vasopressors, and hemodynamic instability were the most prevalent reasons for refusal of donor hearts. Echocardiogram evaluation is a potential intervention to improve heart transplantation conversion in Brazil.

Psychological assessment of patients undergoing cardiac transplant in a teaching hospital (2004 to 2012).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychological evaluations of patients with heart failure waiting for heart transplantation. METHODS: The data were obtained from patient records containing pre-surgery psychological evaluations performed by psychologists from the multidisciplinary cardiology team. The evaluation protocol included the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory, and an interview script. RESULTS: The results of psychological evaluations performed between 2004 and 2012 for 60 candidates for heart transplantation were analyzed: 43 men and 17 women aged between 16 and 66 years (Mean=45.18; SD=11.91), predominantly from the São José do Rio Preto area (São Paulo state, Brazil) (83%), with incomplete elementary education (68%), and who were in stable relationships (73%). Although women presented higher mean scores for depression (21.41) than men (14.61), there was no significant difference between genders. Women's quality of life was impaired in all domains compared to men (below 50%) and was significantly poorer in the physical functioning (P=0.01), vitality (P=0.00), emotional role functioning (P=0.04), and mental health (P=0.02) domains. CONCLUSION: Patients with psychosocial vulnerability (e.g., depression) identified before transplantation should receive psychological treatment.

Psychological assessment of patients undergoing cardiac transplant in a teaching hospital (2004 to 2012) / Avaliação psicológica de pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco em hospital de ensino (2004 a 2012)

Objective: To analyze the psychological evaluations of patients with heart failure waiting for heart transplantation. Methods: The data were obtained from patient records containing pre-surgery psychological evaluations performed by psychologists from the multidisciplinary cardiology team. The evaluation protocol included the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory, and an interview script. Results: The results of psychological evaluations performed between 2004 and 2012 for 60 candidates for heart transplantation were analyzed: 43 men and 17 women aged between 16 and 66 years (Mean=45.18; SD=11.91), predominantly from the São José do Rio Preto area (São Paulo state, Brazil) (83%), with incomplete elementary education (68%), and who were in stable relationships (73%). Although women presented higher mean scores for depression (21.41) than men (14.61), there was no significant difference between genders. Women's quality of life was impaired in all domains compared to men (below 50%) and was significantly poorer in the physical functioning (P=0.01), vitality (P=0.00), emotional role functioning (P=0.04), and mental health (P=0.02) domains. Conclusion: Patients with psychosocial vulnerability (e.g., depression) identified before transplantation should receive psychological treatment. .

Objetivo: Analisar protocolos de avaliação psicológica de pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca, candidatos a transplante cardíaco. Métodos: Os dados da avaliação foram obtidos junto ao arquivo de avaliações psicológicas realizadas pré-cirurgia pelos psicólogos que integram a equipe multidisciplinar de Cardiologia. O protocolo de avaliação inclui o Questionário de Qualidade de Vida - SF-36 o Inventário Beck de Depressão e um roteiro de entrevista. Resultados: Foram analisados os resultados das avaliações psicológicas de 60 pacientes candidatos a transplante cardíaco no período entre 2004 e 2012: 43 homens e 17 mulheres, com idade entre 16 e 66 anos (M=45,18 dp=11,91), 83% provenientes da região, com ensino fundamental incompleto (68%) e união estável (73%). Embora as mulheres tenham apresentado escores mais altos para depressão (21,41) em relação aos homens (14,61), não houve diferença significante entre os gêneros. A qualidade de vida das mulheres mostrou-se prejudicada em todos os domínios (abaixo de 50%) e esse prejuízo foi significantemente inferior aos homens na capacidade funcional (P=0,01), vitalidade (P=0,00), aspectos emocionais (P=0,04) e saúde mental (P=0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes com vulnerabilidades psicossociais identificadas no pré-transplante (ex. depressão) devem receber atendimento psicológico. .

Coping strategies after heart transplantation: psychological implications.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate coping strategies used by patients submitted to heart transplantation and whether they are related to the perception of the disease and transplantation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative analysis. The sample of 32 patients was assessed by the Ways of Coping Scale and socio-demographic questionnaire, and five of them were selected for interviews. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed, the variables and strategies involved were crossed and content analysis of interviews, investigating the existence of a relationship with the speech of the participants. RESULTS: The individuals have used all coping styles, with a predominance of the problem-focused strategy. Psychologically prepared patients showed a statistically significant increase in the use of problem-focused coping and seek for social support. However, a significant increase in the use of emotion-focused coping was observed in patients who were not prepared. Analysis through the method of Bardin showed as categories: disease; reaction to call; transplantation; fantasies; postoperative; team and coping. CONCLUSION: Patients with a transplanted heart make use of all coping strategies, with a predominance of the problem-focused strategy. Psychologically prepared individuals used more active coping strategies, which highlights the importance of psychological support during the process.

Coping strategies after heart transplantation: psychological implications / Estratégias de enfrentamento pós-transplante cardíaco: implicações psicológicas

OBJECTIVES: To investigate coping strategies used by patients submitted to heart transplantation and whether they are related to the perception of the disease and transplantation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative analysis. The sample of 32 patients was assessed by the Ways of Coping Scale and socio-demographic questionnaire, and five of them were selected for interviews. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed, the variables and strategies involved were crossed and content analysis of interviews, investigating the existence of a relationship with the speech of the participants. RESULTS: The individuals have used all coping styles, with a predominance of the problem-focused strategy. Psychologically prepared patients showed a statistically significant increase in the use of problem-focused coping and seek for social support. However, a significant increase in the use of emotion-focused coping was observed in patients who were not prepared. Analysis through the method of Bardin showed as categories: disease; reaction to call; transplantation; fantasies; postoperative; team and coping. CONCLUSION: Patients with a transplanted heart make use of all coping strategies, with a predominance of the problem-focused strategy. Psychologically prepared individuals used more active coping strategies, which highlights the importance of psychological support during the process.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas por indivíduos que tiveram o coração transplantado e suas relações com percepção da doença e do transplante. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com análise quantitativa e qualitativa. A amostra de 32 pacientes foi avaliada pela Escala Modos de Enfretamento de Problemas e questionário sociodemográfico; e cinco deles foram sorteados para entrevista. Realizou-se a avaliação da consistência interna da escala, cruzamentos entre as variáveis e os estilos de enfrentamento e a análise de conteúdo das entrevistas, relacionando os resultados ao discurso dos participantes. RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos utilizaram todos os estilos de enfrentamento, predominando o focalizado no problema. Nos participantes que receberam preparo psicológico, houve aumento estatisticamente significativo dos enfrentamentos focalizados no problema e na busca de suporte social. Entretanto, naqueles que não receberam preparo, houve aumento significativo da utilização do enfrentamento focalizado na emoção. Através do método de Bardin, revelaram-se como categorias: doença, reação ao chamado, transplante, fantasias, pós-operatório, equipe e enfrentamento. CONCLUSÕES: Os participantes utilizaram todos os estilos de enfrentamento, predominando a estratégia focalizada no problema. Os que receberam preparo psicológico usaram maior número de estratégias de enfrentamento ativas, o que evidencia a importância do acompanhamento psicológico durante o processo.

Caring for heart transplant recipients: The lived experience of primary caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the experience of primary caregivers of heart transplant recipients. METHODS: A phenomenological approach was used to understand the caregivers' experience of caring for a heart transplant patient. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 caregivers, in a Brazilian hospital, from December 2008 to March 2009. RESULTS: Following the transplant, caregivers' lives change drastically; their priority becomes providing care for their relative. Despite successful transplant results, the uncertainty about future remains, generating permanent distress. Anxiety is exacerbated by familial or economic problems and, consequently, many participants turn to their local communities for support. Some caregivers learn from the experience and plan return to regular activities. Others feel helpless, unable to overcome personal losses and difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are ideally placed to lead the way by providing family-centered support and education for caregivers of heart recipients. Listening to the concerns of family caregivers seems to be an essential aspect of effective interventions.