J Korean Acad Nurs.  2022 Aug;52(4):435-450. 10.4040/jkan.22043.

The Caring Experience of Family Caregivers for Patients of Living Donor Liver Transplantation from the Family Members

• Bang M
• Kwon S

• KMID: 2532945
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.22043

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of the study was to understand the care experiences of the family of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) patients where the donation had occurred within the family.
Methods
Participants were eight family caregivers who cared for recipients and donors of LDLT. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from November, 2020 to April, 2021. Data analysis was performed through a cyclical process of data collection and analysis by applying Giorgi’s phenomenological research method.
Results
The five main components extracted from the experiences of the family caregivers were: "A double-edged choice to save the family", "The harsh daily life of liver transplantation care", "The yoke of double care on both shoulders", "The power to withstand the adversity of caring", and "The recovery and growth of life pursued by trusting each other".
Conclusion
The participants tried to do their best in their daily lives, while providing reassurance and care to the LDLT patients in the family; however, they expressed some worry and hardship while doing so. The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the caring experience of the family caregivers, which may contribute to the development of nursing interventions that will aid these caregivers in providing care to their LDLT family members. Furthermore, the development and application of an integrated management program for LDLT patients in the family is required.

Keyword

Liver Transplantation; Transplant Recipients; Living Donors; Caregivers; Qualitative Research