How To Choose A Team Oriented Transplant Program
If you're facing the prospect of a transplant operation, it's emotional. Whether you are the patient or a loved one looking for a transplant program, the task can seem insurmountable. Even though every transplant surgical center has teams of professionals that have worked together before, during and after patient surgeries, it's still important that both patients and their families know pretty much what is going to happen as the transplant progression takes place.
A team of doctors and care givers is necessary because our organs are not independent from the rest of our body. As intricate and complex as the human body is, all of our organs work together as a whole to support all of our bodily functions and they all have to be monitored, regardless of which one is being transplanted. Patients that have a failing organ normally have negative conditions in other organs as well.
Before a patient can be identified as a good candidate for transplant surgery there are many exhausting and exhaustive tests and procedures. Depending on the patient's circumstances, there will be many x-rays, MRI's, CAT scans and blood tests performed to diagnose the organ failure. In order to confirm and refine the diagnosis, many tests will have to be repeated and patients should seek a second opinion from specialists.
Unfortunately there are thousands of people with failing organs, but there are not enough healthy organs available. Candidates are screened based on many factors before they are accepted into transplant programs. Their general overall health, financial circumstances and motivation are all evaluated. Simply put, doctors and transplant managers don't want to 'waste' a good kidney on a diabetic who isn't willing to change their lifestyle. If patients are not willing to take medication, show up for appointments on time or they have a poor attitude they may be refused access to a program.
After being accepted into a transplant program the patient is introduced to the transplant coordinator and the supporting doctors and team members. The team will naturally include transplant surgeons; some other professionals are listed below.
1. Infectious disease specialists: Look for current infections and monitor patients after the transplant. 2. Psychiatrists: Provide counseling to assist patients with the emotional aspects of transplant procedures and coping skills. 3. Nurse coordinators: Help with medication, scheduling appointments and patient education. 4. Immunologists: Develop plans to prevent rejection. 5. Pharmacists: Assist with inpatient and outpatient medications. Starting before surgery, medication will be a life-long daily necessity. 6. Social workers and Financial services personnel: Even though many insurance companies will pay the bulk of the transplant process, the patient will still have a lot of expenses to deal with. These people find ways to help patients to afford the surgery as well as support costs after the surgery is completed
A successful team approach in transplant programs revolve around constant communication between the patient and the team of specialists. You'll want to make sure your team is supportive from the start and that they make an effort from the very beginning to ensure the patient stays informed throughout every step of the transplant program process.
About the Author
Glinn Klienberg believes that choosing a team oriented transplant program gives a patient the best chance for a successful procedure. Porter Hospital has transplant surgeons that operate on a team approach. Visit http://www.porterhospital.org/body.cfm?id=253 to find the best transplant program.
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here