The Importance of Formal and Informal Socıal Support Systems in Bio-Psycho-Social and Economic Problems Faced by Patients Waitıng for Lung Transplant Durıng the Covıd-19 Pandemıc
Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of social support systems to the bio-psycho-social and economic problems of patients waiting for lung transplantation in the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted with one-on-one interviews with 21 patients. Results: 61% of the patients were male, 47.6% were married, and the mean age was 36.67±14.023 (Median: 39, Min: 18, Max: 61). 85.7% of the patients were not working in any job. The patients were waiting for lung transplantation due to boron ectasia, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It has been determined that there are more fear, anxiety and panic in patients waiting for transplant due to the decrease in organ transplants during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Covid-19 disease affecting the lungs. While transplant candidates benefited less from formal support systems during the Covid-19 pandemic process, they benefited more from informal support systems. All of the candidates stated that the family is a very important structure and stated that they would not be able to continue their lives if they did not have a family. Conclusion: More comprehensive formal and informal support systems including vulnerable groups should be planned in disasters.