First Advisor

Lynn Wimett

Second Advisor

Patricia Cullen

College

Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Number of Pages

64 pages

Abstract

Abstract

Communication is essential between and among all members of the health care team to provide coordinated care that is effective, efficient, cost sensitive, safe and maximizes health care goals and outcomes for post liver transplant (LT) patients. It remains unclear why effective communication and coordination of care is not always available between and among members caring for the LT recipient. A descriptive, self-report survey was electronically sent using SurveyMonkey to liver transplant team members (LTTMs) and primary care providers (PCPs) caring for LT recipients to identify perceived barriers to communication and coordination of care. Although the sample size was small (n=29) and diversity of providers was limited, perceived barriers to communication and coordination of care were identified and included a lack of role clarity, insufficient education provided to PCPs on how to manage LT recipients, disagreement on which care providers should manage renal insufficiency, minimal relationships between care providers, and a lack of written communication. Recommendations include a need for additional research to evaluate if LTTMs informing PCPs of the expectations of both teams in the mutual care of the LT recipient and providing education on the common comorbidities and drug interactions with immunosuppressive agents would improve patient outcomes. It is recommended to study whether or not including care education in the go-home packet sent to PCPs and a phone call from a LTTM to the PCP would improve communication and relationships between providers resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Date of Award

Spring 2018

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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