All patients being evaluated for possible transplantation will undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation takes approximately 45-60 minutes. The psychiatric professional conducting the interview will ask questions regarding your family, educational, and occupational history as well as current physical and emotional symptoms. The interviewer will also ask you about health behaviors such as smoking, drug and alcohol use, and your ability to follow medical recommendations. Past research has shown that these factors may increase the risk for poor outcomes after surgery. Therefore, it may be recommended that you obtain treatment prior to transplantation for one or more of these issues. If you are not from the Pittsburgh area, a referral for treatment can be made in your community.
A psychiatric professional and/or social worker will also be available to you immediately after your surgery as well as at your follow up visits to the Starzl Transplantation Institute to address issues related to adjusting after transplantation. If needed, a referral for treatment in your community can be arranged to facilitate adjustment after transplantation.
All patients being evaluated as a possible donor will undergo a living donor advocate, social work, and psychiatric evaluation. Each evaluation takes approximately 30-60 minutes. The evaluation will ask questions regarding your family, educational, and occupational history as well as past and current physical and emotional symptoms. The interviewer will also ask you about health behaviors such as smoking, drug and alcohol use. The interviewer may also ask you about your relationship with the donor, social support, about coercion or reimbursement for the donation, your decision making process, and about other volunteer or altruistic behaviors. Referrals to further support prior to surgery may be recommended to prepare for surgery.
The UPMC Transplant center includes several professionals involved in the psychosocial health including living donor advocates, social workers, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists. A referral to resources or mental health professionals in your community can also be made if you are having difficulties adjusting after your surgery.
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