Quality of Life: Organ Transplantation and Artificial Organs

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Abstract
This article describes issues that are clinically significant when assessing quality of life of patients whose organ disease can be treated only through transplantation or reliance upon an artificial organ. Emphasis is placed on stresses that affect the family as well as the immediate patient, because, over time, these are inextricably interwoven. The transplant recipient who experiences a “good” medical outcome may perceive that he has little to live for if his family is severely disrupted or broken apart by the strain of the illness. The family of a patient who dies after unremitting complications while being sustained by an artificial organ may experience both relief at the lifting of an unmanageable burden, and continuing guilt that they were unable to provide unconditional love and support to a dying family member.

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