Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Transplantation

The field of transplantation has grown significantly between 1976 and 2001. Improved surgical technology and important pharmacological advances have permitted transplantation to extend the lives of individuals. Perhaps in no other discipline is there as great a need for multidisciplinary dialogue, debate and approach to patient care. Along with the medical advances, the complexities of the biopsychosocial aspects have come to the forefront of research in this field. The issues raised throughout this book should serve as a useful introduction to important clinical issues such as: organ donation; ethical and psychological considerations; substance abuse; spirituality, coping and survival; and the needs of paediatric patients. The volume should be of interest not only to those in the field of transplant medicine but also specialists in the fields of health psychology and behavioural medicine.