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Palliative care in cardiopulmonary transplantation

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Maria McKenna, Stephen Clark

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Abstract

Cardiopulmonary transplantation is a lifeprolonging therapy available to a select population of patients with cardiac or respiratory failure. Transplantation is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and unmet palliative care need. Despite recommendations that palliative care should be a core component of the heart and lung transplant process, collaboration within clinical practice is extremely rare. A key reason for this is the misperception among patients, their families and transplant clinicians, that palliative care is analogous with end of life care. Other challenges include prognostication, communication, and the balance of hope and reality. We suggest a change in clinical practice within cardiopulmonary transplantation, whereby palliative care takes place alongside active management. Greater partnership working will demonstrate clinical credibility and highlight the impact of palliative care interventions. Education is required to address current misperceptions and further research should explore the effect of initiatives to improve palliative care provision for this patient group.

Publication metadata

Author(s): McKenna M, Clark SC

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care

Year: 2015

Volume: 5

Issue: 4

Pages: 427-434

Print publication date: 01/12/2015

Online publication date: 26/03/2015

Acceptance date: 09/03/2015

ISSN (print): 2045-435X

ISSN (electronic): 2045-4368

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group

URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2014-000769

DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2014-000769

PubMed id: 25812577

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