Transplantation

Purpose: Given the complexities and risks of allogeneic HCT, patients and their family caregivers may experience elevated psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, in anticipation of the procedure. Patients and caregivers also bring with them their pre-HCT experiences of diagnosis, prior treatment, and associated burdens, thus potentially compounding their acute distress.

Using theory to support nursing research may be considered superfluous by some authors, yet a theoretical framework provides structure and consistency to a research study. This article presents the use of the Roy Adaptation Model within the theoretical framework underpinning an investigation of quality of life as perceived by lung transplant candidates and their caregivers. Each step of the research process is identified in this article and the link to the theoretical framework is demonstrated.