The Multi Organ Transplant Program is committed to assisting patients throughout the transplantation process by providing them with education and resource materials.

Assessment Manuals have been developed for each organ group to facilitate the process of patient workup. These manuals outline the workup process and review each test and/or consultation required prior to determining a patient's suitability for transplantation. The Assessment Manual outlines each test/procedure on a separate page, indicating the reason for the test, special patient preparation, location within the hospital, and other essential information to assist patients through the maze of workup. The manuals are written in a patient-friendly manner, and have proven to be an effective tool in facilitating the workup process for patients, coordinators, and test centers.

Patient Teaching Manuals for each organ transplant group have been developed with input from all multidisciplinary team members. Each manual has been individualized to meet the needs of patients within the specified organ group. Our goal has been to develop a comprehensive reference manual for patients, that will serve as an ongoing resource throughout their transplantation experience.

Each manual outlines essential information for patients through each phase of the transplantation process and is provided to patients during the workup process. Our Patient Teaching Manuals are divided into two sections: Before Your Transplant and After Your Transplant.

In the first section, Before Your Transplant, the following topics are addressed:

a) The Work-up Phase:

• Your Transplant Team
• Normal Organ Function
• Why You Need a Transplant
• Who Can Have a Transplant
• Your Pre-transplant Evaluation

b) While You're Waiting

• Where Your New Organ Comes From
• How Your New Organ is Selected for You
• Going on the List
• When the Transplant is Cancelled
• Organ Donation
• Financial Information for Transplant Patients
• Pre-Transplant Education Program

• When the Call Comes
• What Should I Bring to the Hospital
• Your Transplant Surgery
• Your Hospital Stay: ICU, Step Down Unit & Transplant Ward
• Possible Complications
• Thinking about Discharge

The second part of the manual, After Your Transplant, covers the following topics:

• A review of common medications prescribed after transplant
• Includes: indications, side effects, special considerations
• Considerations with Immunosupporessive Drugs
• Over-the-Counter Medications

b) A Healthy Lifestyle

• Nutrition for Transplant Patients
• National Food Guide
• General Activity Precautions & Exercises

c) Taking Care of Yourself

• Medic Alert
• Driving & Seat Belts
• Travelling
• Sunscreens
• Sexual Activity, Birth Control, Planned Parenthood

d) Staying Healthy

• Prevention of Skin Cancer
• Annual Checkups
• Blood Tests
• Dental Care
• Flu Shots/Vaccinations
• Pets

e) Following Up

• Clinic Visits
• Communication with your Transplant Team
• Support Information
• Saying "Thank You"
• Contact Information

Throughout the Patient Teaching Manuals, important information is reviewed in easy-to-understand language. Diagrams help to explain the surgical experience and prepare patients for their recovery period after transplantation.

Assessment Manuals and Patient Teaching Manuals have been developed for the following organ transplant groups:

• Heart
• Lung
• Liver
• Kidney
• Pancreas/Kidney
• Small Bowel

The Assessment Manuals and Patient Teaching Manuals are available for a nominal fee to transplant programs interested in developing such resources for their own patient population. Manuals will be provided both as a hard copy and as an electronic template.