An Approach to the Patient with Organ Failure: Transplantation and End-of-Life Treatment Decisions

Authors

Catherine C. Crone, The George Washington University
Michael J. Marcangelo, The University of Chicago Medicine
John L. Shuster, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

11-1-2010

Journal

Medical Clinics of North America

Volume

94

Issue

6

DOI

10.1016/j.mcna.2010.08.005

Keywords

Palliative care; Psychiatric issues; Quality of life; Transplantation; Ventricular assist devices

Abstract

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. © 2010 Elsevier Inc.

APA Citation

Crone, C., Marcangelo, M., & Shuster, J. (2010). An Approach to the Patient with Organ Failure: Transplantation and End-of-Life Treatment Decisions. Medical Clinics of North America, 94 (6). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2010.08.005