Advocating for the Role of Occupational Therapy in the Transplant Continuum of Care

Abstract

The thoracic transplant continuum of care includes lung transplant, heart transplant, and ventricular assistive devices (VAD) candidates and recipients. This patient population often faces unique physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and mental health deficits that impair physical and occupational performance hindering activities of daily living (ADLs). Survey and observational data (n=24) was collected from clinicians and patients participating in a transplant-specific rehabilitation program in Indianapolis, IN to identify occupational performance deficits and define the need for occupational therapy in this setting. Recommendations for integrating occupational therapy into the clinic were developed and included in the report.