Patients´ experiences while waiting for vital organs

Background: Organ transplantation is an established form of treatment applied worldwide, which saves many lives. There is however, an imbalance between supply and demand for organs, which means that the patients on the waiting list for organs often have to stay there for a long time. In worst case, they die before a suitable organ is found. Patients waiting for vital organs are therefore in a very exposed situation and this causes many feelings. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe patients´ experiences while waiting for vital organs. Method: A literature based study analysing twelve qualitative studies, that based onpatient interviews describe the patients' experiences while waiting for vital organs. Results: The result showed that patients felt bound, both physically and mentally. They experienced anxiety and stress during the long wait for an organ but had also hope forrecovery and wished to be able to return to a normal life. Information and support were an important part of getting through the wait. Two themes appeared during the analysis; To hope and to understand, the mixed emotions and To be bound and to be in need. Conclusion: All patients' experiences were individual, although there are many similarities in how they experienced waiting for vital organs, especially regarding emotions. Hope was a prerequisite for patients while waiting for a vital organ, as it servesas a driving force to hold out during their uncertain life situation