Transtan to study long-term effects of organ transplants | Chennai News

Chennai: transtanThe state transplant registry is planning research to understand the long-term effects of transplants on both recipients and donor families, said its membership secretary Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan.
Over the next few weeks, health workers will be making phone calls to recipients who have received organs through the cadaver program since 2008. “We have the numbers and addresses of every recipient for the past 16 years. Some may have died, and some addresses and cell phones may not be accessible.” We hope to receive some information from most beneficiaries or their relatives,” he said.
The purpose of the study is to identify factors that contribute to improved or worsened outcomes.
“Transplant recipients often require lifelong monitoring. Outcomes studies track long-term health status and help with early detection and management of complications. Data from these studies can improve the lives of transplant recipients. “This will help improve policies and protocols to improve the quality of research,” he said. Researchers will also be able to compare different treatment approaches used in different hospitals and determine which methods are most effective, thereby improving overall outcomes.
At the same time, Transtan reaches out to donor families to understand their experiences and needs.
This parallel study will help understand the factors that prompt individuals and families to agree to organ donation during times of grief. “This will help us create targeted awareness campaigns to increase our donor base both within and outside the state,” he said.
Transtan also plans to develop a support system for donor families before, during and after the donation process.
“Currently, counseling is done at the time of donation and handover of the body. We then meet with them on occasions such as organ donation day. It is important to recognize their emotional and psychological needs. Again, this awareness may encourage more people to consider organ donation,'' he said.
This research will also provide educational insights to health professionals about donor families' journeys, helping them better communicate and support them.