Abstract:

Objective To investigate the survival experience of liver transplant recipients.MethodsWith phenomenology method of qualitative research, face-to-face and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in 17 liver transplant recipients. The data were analysed with Colaizzi method, the valuable information and opinions were extracted, and the theme was refined. Results The experience of life quality in liver transplant recipients was various, but the quality of life was thought to be improved generally. Fourteen themes of 5 levels of quality of life were refined. ① The subjective experience level included 3 themes: increased degree of freedom of life, open-minded attitude to life, and improvement of confidence of life. ② The physiology level included 3 themes: physical change, sexual life with decrease or improvement, and improvement of sleep quality. ③ The psychology level included 3 themes: concern, inferiority, and psychology of gratitude. ④ The society and family level included 3 themes: changed social communication society, better social support system, and good family support. ⑤ The self-care ability level included 2 themes: self-protection to avoid infection, and abidance by medical advice. Conclusion Liver transplantation may improve the quality of life of patients with liver diseases. Medical staff should pay attention to the physiological, psychological and social adaptation ability and self-care experience of liver transplant recipients, take a variety of nursing measures to provide patients with guidance and help so as to improve the quality of life.

Key words: liver transplant recipients, postoperation, survival experience, qualitative research