Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant

Abstract Background Psychosocial factors significantly influence outcomes following heart transplantation (HT). In Japan, the prolonged waiting period for HT often requires a ventricular assist device (VAD), demanding strict adherence to self‐care regimens to prevent complications. The Stanford Inte...

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Main Authors: Kosuke Takano, Junko Tsutsui, Hidehiro Oshibuchi, Sayaka Kobayashi, Rie Akaho, Katsuji Nishimura
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-03-01
Series:PCN Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/pcn5.70087
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author Kosuke Takano
Junko Tsutsui
Hidehiro Oshibuchi
Sayaka Kobayashi
Rie Akaho
Katsuji Nishimura
author_facet Kosuke Takano
Junko Tsutsui
Hidehiro Oshibuchi
Sayaka Kobayashi
Rie Akaho
Katsuji Nishimura
author_sort Kosuke Takano
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Psychosocial factors significantly influence outcomes following heart transplantation (HT). In Japan, the prolonged waiting period for HT often requires a ventricular assist device (VAD), demanding strict adherence to self‐care regimens to prevent complications. The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT) identifies psychosocial barriers to successful transplantation. This case report describes the use of SIPAT‐guided psychological support for an adolescent awaiting HT. Case Presentation A 16‐year‐old Japanese male with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent evaluation for HT. The SIPAT assessment revealed a total score of 25, with elevated scores in readiness for illness management (SIPAT A: 11) and social support (SIPAT B: 12), indicating challenges with understanding his condition and unstable family dynamics. Tailored interventions included psychotherapy and family psychoeducation. Following VAD implantation, initial nonadherence to self‐care prompted further evaluation using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Fourth Edition, which revealed deficits in processing speed and verbal comprehension. A transtheoretical model‐guided intervention was then implemented to improve self‐care behaviors. Periodic SIPAT assessments during routine check‐ups facilitated ongoing monitoring and timely interventions. Over 25 months, the SIPAT scores improved (14 and 15) and no adverse outcomes, such as infections, emergency hospitalizations, or nonadherence behaviors, were observed. Conclusion This case highlights the effectiveness of early SIPAT‐guided psychological support and multidisciplinary interventions in addressing complex psychosocial issues in adolescents during the VAD waiting period. It underscores the critical need for regular psychosocial assessments and individualized care to optimize transplantation outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-3f5c45dce6d4485a9ec98ee92733bdb52025-08-20T02:41:45ZengWileyPCN Reports2769-25582025-03-0141n/an/a10.1002/pcn5.70087Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for TransplantKosuke Takano0Junko Tsutsui1Hidehiro Oshibuchi2Sayaka Kobayashi3Rie Akaho4Katsuji Nishimura5Department of Psychology Meiji Gakuin University Minato‐ku Tokyo JapanDepartment of Psychiatry Tokyo Women's Medical University Shinjuku‐ku Tokyo JapanDepartment of Psychiatry Tokyo Women's Medical University Shinjuku‐ku Tokyo JapanDepartment of Psychiatry Tokyo Women's Medical University Shinjuku‐ku Tokyo JapanDepartment of Psychiatry Tokyo Women's Medical University Shinjuku‐ku Tokyo JapanDepartment of Psychiatry Tokyo Women's Medical University Shinjuku‐ku Tokyo JapanAbstract Background Psychosocial factors significantly influence outcomes following heart transplantation (HT). In Japan, the prolonged waiting period for HT often requires a ventricular assist device (VAD), demanding strict adherence to self‐care regimens to prevent complications. The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT) identifies psychosocial barriers to successful transplantation. This case report describes the use of SIPAT‐guided psychological support for an adolescent awaiting HT. Case Presentation A 16‐year‐old Japanese male with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent evaluation for HT. The SIPAT assessment revealed a total score of 25, with elevated scores in readiness for illness management (SIPAT A: 11) and social support (SIPAT B: 12), indicating challenges with understanding his condition and unstable family dynamics. Tailored interventions included psychotherapy and family psychoeducation. Following VAD implantation, initial nonadherence to self‐care prompted further evaluation using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Fourth Edition, which revealed deficits in processing speed and verbal comprehension. A transtheoretical model‐guided intervention was then implemented to improve self‐care behaviors. Periodic SIPAT assessments during routine check‐ups facilitated ongoing monitoring and timely interventions. Over 25 months, the SIPAT scores improved (14 and 15) and no adverse outcomes, such as infections, emergency hospitalizations, or nonadherence behaviors, were observed. Conclusion This case highlights the effectiveness of early SIPAT‐guided psychological support and multidisciplinary interventions in addressing complex psychosocial issues in adolescents during the VAD waiting period. It underscores the critical need for regular psychosocial assessments and individualized care to optimize transplantation outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1002/pcn5.70087heart transplantationpretransplant evaluationpsychological supportStanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantationventricular assist device
spellingShingle Kosuke Takano
Junko Tsutsui
Hidehiro Oshibuchi
Sayaka Kobayashi
Rie Akaho
Katsuji Nishimura
Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant
PCN Reports
heart transplantation
pretransplant evaluation
psychological support
Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation
ventricular assist device
title Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant
title_full Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant
title_fullStr Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant
title_full_unstemmed Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant
title_short Psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation: A case report on psychological intervention using the Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplant
title_sort psychological support for an adolescent awaiting heart transplantation a case report on psychological intervention using the stanford integrated psychosocial assessment for transplant
topic heart transplantation
pretransplant evaluation
psychological support
Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation
ventricular assist device
url https://doi.org/10.1002/pcn5.70087
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