Abstract- Advances in pediatric transplantation medicine have greatly improved the lives of children with end stage organ disease. A child with an organ transplant is a major source of stress on the entire family including the well siblings. Brothers and sisters of transplant recipients often have unique needs. The purpose of this study was to determine maternal perceptions of life experiences of healthy siblings living in the family with a brother or sister who has an organ transplant. The theoretical framework was based on the Neuman systems model. The sample consisted of mothers of pediatric liver, bowel, and kidney transplant patients who have siblings. Using a phenomenological qualitative research approach utilizing email on the Internet, maternal responses were analyzed for emerging themes. This study is important to nursing knowledge and practice, as nurses need to address the special needs of not only the young transplant patient but all members of the family including the well siblings.
Session #1223 - Graduate Student Poster Session
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)