Heart Transplant Rehabilitation: An Occupational Therapy Program

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program following the acute inpatient stay after heart transplantation. This project can be applied in community based and in home rehabilitation settings. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the SCOPUS and Pub Med databases. Information was gathered regarding rehabilitation of cardiac transplant recipients, problems facing recipients, occupations/activities, and occupational therapist roles. In addition information was gathered from medical facility web sites regarding existing cardiac rehabilitation programs. Results: Designed from the perspective of the Occupation Adaptation Model, a rehabilitation home program was developed for heart transplant recipients. Four sections of the workbook guide the patient in education (precautions, energy conservation, and exercise guidelines); lifestyle adaptations (activity-specific and general); activity planning, quality of life, and energy conservation techniques. The workbook format includes charts and schedules that will provide structure to daily life activities. The program is to be completed by the patient in cooperation with an occupational therapist and a therapist guide is included . The Occupational Adaptation (OA) Model was utilized to assist in the development ofthis program. OA provided the framework for making modifications to activities of daily living. Conclusions: The rehabilitation program developed encourages independence in daily activities at home; for post-cardiac transplantation clients. As participants have the opportunity to make lifestyle changes and routinely evaluate their perception of quality of life in their daily routines; improvements in perceived quality of life are expected