Since cardiac transplantation became the safest and most effective treatment for heart failure, the demand for donor hearts has increased exponentially in stark contrast to the availability of donor hearts. Candidates must be evaluated carefully to ensure that organs are allocated wisely. Psychologists play an important role in determining suitability for transplantation and supporting the patient if necessary throughout the transplant process. Unfortunately, long-term outcome data for overall quality of life is fair at best. Nonadherence, social support, and depression and anxiety continue to be the most significant challenges faced by transplant patients and contribute to these outcomes. Additional information regarding cardiac transplantation was obtained from field consultants with varying levels of expertise working with transplant patients. Findings from the literature review and consultant interviews were presented to an audience of mental health providers working on interdisciplinary teams within a medical center. Valuable insights were gained from all stages of this project and are discussed in the final chapter of this dissertation.
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