Comparing Parents’ and Children's Views of Children's Quality of Life After Heart Transplant

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this focused ethnographic study was to explore the quality of life (QOL) of school-age heart-transplant recipients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 parent-child dyads. Data were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison. RESULTS: Participants identified key factors impacting the children's QOL including: participation in normal activities, normalcy, staying healthy, sources of strength and support, and struggles (parents' perspectives) and doing what kids do, being with family and friends, and being a heart transplant kid (children's perspectives). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Interventions focusing on the key factors identified by participants may impact the QOL of school-age heart-transplant recipients.