Identifying the Educational Needs of Lung Transplant Recipients with Cystic Fibrosis

PurposeTo elucidate the education needs of patients who have undergone lung transplant for cystic fibrosis while participating in the development of therapeutic education programs in French transplant centers.MethodsFrom January 2009 to March 2012, in-depth educational diagnosis interviews were conducted with 42 adult transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis who were being followed up at 7 French transplant centers. Several areas were explored: health status, social and occupational outcomes, knowledge about the disease and treatments, and experience of the disease. The interviews combined open- and closed-ended questions for more systematic exploration of knowledge about the disease and treatments.ResultsAfter receiving the transplant, the patients' health had improved and their lives were returning to normal. They had acquired much usable knowledge about managing their disease. Educational needs regarding transplant-related complications and management of immunosuppressive drugs were evident. The anal...