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Research Article: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian transplant journeys: a mixed methods study

Date Published: 2023-12-01

Abstract:
Background Navigating the organ donation and transplantation system in Canada can be challenging for individuals on transplant journeys. Although it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to these challenges, the experiences of individuals during the pandemic in Canada have not been well elicited. Objective To illuminate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals on transplant journeys in Canada. Design Convergent parallel mixed-methods study. Setting Canada. Participants Adult patients, caregivers, and donors on transplant journeys across Canada. Data collection Eight focus groups and an online survey between May and November 2021. Focus group transcripts were analysed using an inductive conventional content analysis approach. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study was guided by individuals with lived experience of organ donation and transplantation. Results A total of 830 participants completed three COVID-19 related survey questions, with 21 participating in the focus groups. Survey results : over 50% of patients and caregivers reported that the pandemic impacted their access to their healthcare team, their mental health (60% and 65%, respectively) and their comfort going out in public (80% and 75%, respectively). Although many donors reported several factors that impacted their transplant journey, the impact appeared to be greater for patients and caregivers. Qualitative results : three themes emerged from the qualitative data that contextualise participant’s experiences: compounding isolation, disruption amid uncertainty and unforeseen benefits. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the challenges that individuals on transplant journeys experience. It will be critical for transplant programmes to consider these factors in future care provision.

Introduction:
Organ transplantation is not only a life-saving treatment for many individuals with end-stage organ failure but can lead to better outcomes than alternative treatments, including increased quality of life and significant health system savings. 1–3 Although transplantation has benefits, transplant recipients will experience lifelong follow-up and management, including managing the side effects of immune suppressing medications, navigating a lifetime of check-ups and invasive monitoring, and fears that they may…

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