Family experience in the kidney transplant process from a living donor

Abstract

Objective: To understand the family experience of kidney transplantation process of a living donor. Methods: Qualitative study conducted with four families of patients undergoing kidney transplantation of living donor. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview conducted at the homes of families and recorded audio. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and from the saturation of data, categories emerged. Results: The following categories were observed: impact of chronic kidney disease and dialysis treatment in the family; family experience at different stages facing kidney transplant of a living donor; family interaction with the healthcare team; Resignifying the family system in the process of chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant; and support from social networking and spirituality as coping strategies. Conclusion: Kidney transplantation from a living donor involves aspects of physical and emotional care of everyone involved in the process, considering the potential and experienced adaptations where spirituality is seen as a contributing factor.