The experience of persons with lung transplant: a literature review

Abstract

Lung transplant surgery saves the recipient from the brink of death. However, both the surgery and rehabilitation can be risky, complicated and grueling. One must adhere to an extensive regimen of expensive (and harmful) immunosuppressive drugs to keep the new lungs from being rejected, risk life-threatening infections due to their suppressed immune system, and face the reality of a limited life expectancy (the current survival rate at five years is 45%). There is a lack of psychosocial, qualitative research on this subject as well as very limited data on employment statistics, although it appears that the majority of recipients do not return to work. This literature review examines relevant print and online materials regarding the process lung transplant recipients experience, and makes recommendations for further research – especially qualitative research regarding vocational rehabilitation.