WEBB FELLOW: The Role of the Transplant Psychiatrist within the Transplant Team - Perceptions, Expectations, and Realities

Abstract:

Background:

Transplant psychiatrists play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary assessment of transplant candidates and care of transplant recipients. The scope of the role can range from risk stratification to candidate optimization to medication management to perioperative and post-transplant psychiatric care. The role may also necessitate recognition and management of psychodynamic elements and transference forces not only with the patient, but also within the team (Klapheke, 1999; Kugler, 2017). The wide range can lead to ambiguity and confusion about the precise nature of the role of the transplant psychiatrist within each individual transplant center. This project aims to address this gap by investigating the perceptions, expectations and realities of the role of transplant psychiatrists among members of transplant teams (TT) as well as the transplant psychiatrist (TP) themselves.

Methods:
Using a survey methodology, we will collect data from transplant team members from the transplant centers in the US, including surgeons, hepatologists, nephrologists, social workers, pharmacists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The survey includes questions designed to assess different aspects of the role of transplant psychiatrists, including expectations of the transplant team regarding pre-transplant assessment (binary candidacy assessment versus risk stratification), pre-/post-transplant care, medication management, and collaboration with other team members. Similar questions will also be asked of TP to assess their perception and the current reality of the role.

Project is in the data collection phase.

Discussion/

Conclusion:
We anticipate that this study will highlight the complexity of the role of transplant psychiatrists within transplant centers. We expect heterogeneous responses to the survey underscoring the protean yet nebulous nature of this role. We also anticipate discrepancies in perceptions and expectations among different members of the transplant team. Investigation of such anticipated heterogeneity and discrepancies may allow us to better understand transference forces impacting team dynamics. This will also empower transplant programs to specify more clearly the perceptions and expectations of the role of the TP. Addressing any identified discrepancies can lead to improved patient care and outcomes.

Implications:
This research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of transplant psychiatrists and help optimize their integration within transplant teams. By identifying areas for improvement and enhancing collaboration, we can ultimately enhance the quality of care provided to transplant recipients, improve their overall transplant experience and improve transplant team dynamics.