The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in improving psychological outcomes for heart transplant recipients: A systematic review

Background:Post-heart transplant psychological distress may directly hinder physiological health as well as indirectly impact on clinical outcomes by increasing unhealthy behaviors, such as immunosuppression non-adherence. Reducing psychological distress for heart transplant recipients is therefore vitally important in order to improve not only patients’ overall health and well-being but also clinical outcomes, such as morbidity and mortality. Evidence from other populations suggests that non-pharmacological interventions may be an effective strategy.Aim:The purpose of this study was to appraise the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on psychological outcomes after heart transplant.Method:A systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies that involved any non-pharmacological intervention for heart transplant recipients were included, provided that data on psychological outcomes were reported. Multiple electronic database...