Testimonies and experiences of patients awaiting transplant and transplanted patients in Italy: a survey aiming to understand their needs

Introduction and methods. In 2020 the Italian National Transplant Centre (Centro Nazionale Trapianti, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy) launched two online surveys to explore waitlisted and transplanted patients' needs. Results. The analysis of two-year results shows prevailing feelings of anxiety and discouragement (44.5%) in waitlisted patients. A mere 19.7% expresses feelings of trust and hope. Conversely, in transplanted patients, gratitude (65.7%) predominates. Both transplanted (53.5%) and waitlisted patients (41.5%) worry about organ rejection and complications, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was an additional concern. The latter report certainty of transplant as their main need (81.3%), followed by psychological support (41.8%) also indicated by 27.9% of transplanted patients, while donor-recipient anonymity is an issue for 31.3% of the transplanted. Conclusion. Focusing on the needs and, above all, taking them on, means putting the patient at the centre of care and increasing the chances of a better life despite sufferings and preoccupations.