Adult liver transplantation for the Advanced Clinical Practitioner - an overview
Citation
Wood, A. (2022) 'Adult liver transplantation for the Advanced Clinical Practitioner - an overview', to be published in British Journal of Nursing.
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a major surgical undertaking, but, in a carefully selected
population provides excellent outcomes in terms of prolongation of life and
improvements in quality of life.
This article outlines the processes of referral, assessment, operative course and post
transplant complications of liver transplantation, in the UK context. Specific
consideration is also given to immunosuppressive medications and considerations
around their prescription.
The role of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) in primary or secondary care may
focus upon identifying potential candidates for transplantation and ensuring timely
discussion and referral. Thus, a familiarity with eligibility criteria, and where to access
this information, is important for all ACPs. Additionally, the increasing numbers of
transplants performed in the UK mean that there is a large population of posttransplant
patients in the wider community. These patients may present to healthcare
services with a variety of issues relating to their LT, where early recognition and
treatment has the potential to have major impacts on patient, or graft, function and
longevity. Due to this, a low threshold for ACPs to discuss with specialist transplant
centres is generally advised.