title: Waiting for a kidney transplant: the experience of patients with end-stage renal disease in South Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of Korean patients with end-stage renal disease awaiting kidney transplantation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The need for kidney transplantation has increased worldwide, while the number of kidney donors has not increased commensurately. This mismatch is a serious issue in South Korea. Prolonged waits for transplantation may cause physical and psychosocial issues and lead to poor outcomes. Nevertheless, the experience of waiting for kidney transplantation in South Korea has never been explored in depth.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants were eight patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease on the waiting list for kidney transplantation in South Korea. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews. All conversations during interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcribed data were analysed using conventional content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experience of waiting for kidney transplantation consisted of six categories: (1) the light at the end of the tunnel, (2) being on call without any promise, (3) a tough tug of war between excitement and frustration, (4) doubts in the complexity, (5) A companion on the hard journey and (6) getting ready for D-day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Kidney transplantation candidates experience psychosocial difficulties and concerns while waiting for long periods of time without any assurance of resolution. Systematic education and psychosocial support from health care professionals and family members help patients get through what they describe as a difficult journey. Comprehensive management programs for kidney transplantation candidates are needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care professionals need to recognise the psychosocial concerns of patients awaiting kidney transplantation. Clinicians should provide patients with information and support throughout the waiting period.
authors.affiliation: Organ Transplant Center, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Hye Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Chonbuk Research Institute of Nursing Science, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyun Kyung
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Chonbuk Research Institute of Nursing Science, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Reul
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Sik
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056910:Republic of Korea; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement; D014850:Waiting Lists
keywords: chronic kidney failure; kidney transplantation; patients; qualitative research; waiting lists