An approach to the patient with organ failure: transplantation and end-of-life treatment decisions.
Organ transplantation offers an opportunity for extended survival and enhanced quality of life to patients with end-stage organ disease. Significant challenges are associated with both pre- and post-transplantation care, however, that require awareness of psychiatric issues in this patient population. Ventricular assist devices have added another dimension to patient care and to quality-of-life considerations. Unfortunately, effective incorporation of palliative care and end-of-life discussions is frequently overlooked during caretaking of these patients.
Crone
Catherine C
CC
Department of Psychiatry, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. cathy.crone@inova.org
Marcangelo
Michael J
MJ
Shuster
John L
JL
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*