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Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Kimberly Erikson
Abstract
Liver transplantation is one of the most debated topics in healthcare. It is important to understand the step processes involved prior to transplant as well as the treatment in follow-up, and how ethical decisions are made in who will make the transplant list. Alcoholism is also a common medical condition that plagues many people, and these people are often the recipients of liver transplants. When considering who is eligible for a transplant, healthcare professionals should not only consider medical history such as lab work, imaging, MELD scores, Child-Pugh scores, and post-op complications, but also social implications such as willingness to quit, social support, and medical compliance. It is not only an ethical dilemma of who should receive a liver transplant but when, by weighing the pros and cons of waiting a 6-month long alcohol abstinence period or proceeding quickly prior to 6 months. How and why decisions are made for liver transplants for alcoholic liver disease patients will affect the care and outlook healthcare professionals offer to patients, therefore, the significance of educating the public on this dilemma will provide a better informed and empathetic approach to healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Hasley, Amanda, "Re-examining the Ethical Considerations in Liver Transplants" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 38.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/38
Re-examining the Ethical Considerations in Liver Transplants
Liver transplantation is one of the most debated topics in healthcare. It is important to understand the step processes involved prior to transplant as well as the treatment in follow-up, and how ethical decisions are made in who will make the transplant list. Alcoholism is also a common medical condition that plagues many people, and these people are often the recipients of liver transplants. When considering who is eligible for a transplant, healthcare professionals should not only consider medical history such as lab work, imaging, MELD scores, Child-Pugh scores, and post-op complications, but also social implications such as willingness to quit, social support, and medical compliance. It is not only an ethical dilemma of who should receive a liver transplant but when, by weighing the pros and cons of waiting a 6-month long alcohol abstinence period or proceeding quickly prior to 6 months. How and why decisions are made for liver transplants for alcoholic liver disease patients will affect the care and outlook healthcare professionals offer to patients, therefore, the significance of educating the public on this dilemma will provide a better informed and empathetic approach to healthcare.