Joshua Newman, MD
For people with long-term illnesses, an organ transplant may be a source of both hope and anxiety. While a transplant can be lifesaving, the transplant process – from evaluation to surgery and recovery – can be overwhelming.
If you or a loved one is facing this difficult decision, here are seven things to look for when selecting a transplant center.
Feature #1: A Patient's Experience and Outcomes
The number of procedures performed and patient outcomes are critical metrics for transplant centers. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients
(SRTR) publishes data from all centers that participate in the United Network for Organ Sharing. The SRTR's search feature allows you to view data by center or compare centers by zip code or state.
Feature #2: Rapport With Your Physician
Your initial appointment sets the tone for your relationship with the physician and nurses who are part of the transplant team. Your physician should get to know you and outline your options.
Most recipients resume their normal activities after transplant but also need lifelong immune system suppression to prevent organ rejection. Immunosuppression medications can create a new set of medical concerns.
Feature #3: Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Team to Meet all Your Needs
Transplants are complex procedures that require a large, well-coordinated team. Your medical providers will include a transplant physician, surgeon, anesthesiologist and infectious disease specialist.
Successful transplant centers also have a range of personnel who play specific roles in your care, such as:
o Advanced practice providers: Work closely with transplant physicians to provide
care before and after transplant
o Clinical pharmacists: Manage your medications
o Dietitians: Assist with proper nutrition and weight management
o Financial counselors: Help you obtain financial assistance
o Nurse coordinators: Organize all aspects of your care and monitor the 24/7 hotline
o Psychologists: Help you cope with anxiety and stress
o Social workers: Assess your social needs and connect you to appropriate
resources
Feature #4: Family-Centered Approach
An organ is a precious gift from the donor and the donor's family. To make sure the organ has the best chance of success, you need a reliable support system to help you through your recovery. That system looks different for everyone and can include family members or friends.
Feature #5: Comprehensive Support
Transplant success relies on many factors aside from the direct medical care you receive. For example, you need to make lifestyle changes, manage your medications and attend follow-up appointments. Patients and their caregivers often need support along the way.
Types of support services to look for in a transplant program include:
o Comprehensive education to help you understand the medical aspects of your care
o Hotline to answer any questions that arise, day or night
o One-on-one counseling, as needed, to help resolve specific challenges
o Support groups for both patients and caregivers
Feature #6: Expert Post-Surgical Care
The hours after surgery require close medical supervision to identify and treat problems early. The job of the intensive care unit (ICU) team is to keep you comfortable after surgery, monitor the new organ and start immunosuppression therapy.
Feature #7: Availability of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials contribute to the advancement of new treatments for medical conditions. They offer patients access to state-of-the-art therapies that can prolong the need for a transplant.
