The Liaison Psychiatrist in Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

Medical progress in transplantation has given rise to special psychiatric problems requiring understanding and proper care. If these problems are to be adequately addressed, psychological services should be available in all activities of the transplant unit. This paper discusses the role of the consultation liaison psychiatrist with patients and colleagues in kidney transplantation. Areas for exploration in evaluating prospective donors and recipients are identified. While body image problems emerge infrequently in kidney transplantation, careful psychological screening may identify some of these potential difficulties and set the stage for dealing with them. The discussion of pertinent issues and possible complications with patients proves to be an effective, preventive approach. While most members of a transplant team are aware of the ethical dimensions in transplantation, psychiatrists, by the very nature of their work as students of human behavior, are pulled directly into these issues. Further, the atmosphere on the transplant unit should be constantly monitored in order to nurture a healing environment for both patients and staff.