Patient Undergoing Liver Transplantation: Challenges and Strategies in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify the challenges and strategies experienced by patients undergoing liver transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted in a large liver transplant hospital in southern Brazil. RESULTS: The participants included liver transplant patients between the years 2011 and 2022. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured interview. Data analysis comprised approximation of information and calculation of percentages. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients participated. Challenges identified included an increased dependence on others for daily activities, fear and stress due to the possibility of contamination, and the need for isolation from family and friends. Strategies included adaptation to the daily routine, reorganization of tasks inside and outside the home, formation of a support network, and reduced attendance to consultations and exams. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of anguish and suffering of patients facing isolation and separation from family members was observed. Still, the study revealed the strength and determination of the patients to create strategies for preventing the SARS-CoV-2 virus and caring for themselves and their families. The study demonstrates the need for support from the health team in the face of such a scenario.

Obtaining tissues and organs for transplantation and coronavirus infections: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to map the care recommendations available in the literature capable of supporting health professionals' decision-making in the organ and tissue donation process before the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: is a nine-step scoping review with searches performed in three databases and an electronic library (Science Direct). RESULTS: 873 publications were retrieved, 15 selected for analysis. All were published in 2020, originating mainly on China, with predominance of original articles. The most frequent recommendations relate to testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection for deceased donors (52.6%) and clinical evaluation of potential donors and possible donors (31.6%). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: it is believed that the recommendations evidenced will support health professionals in the process of donation and organ transplantations to determine interventions for decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.