Michelle T Jesse

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This study looked at how psychologists working in academic health centers were affected by stress and burnout during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that psychologists reported significantly more stressors, jumping from four before the pandemic to thirteen after, along with increased feelings of burnout but no change in career satisfaction. These findings are important because they highlight the need for better support and well-being initiatives for psychologists who play a crucial role in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps psychologists and healthcare administrators seeking to improve mental health support in academic settings.

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This study looked at the experiences of people who have received solid organ transplants and their needs related to medications that prevent organ rejection. Out of over 10,000 survey responses, 92% of recipients reported experiencing side effects from their medications, with many describing these effects as significantly impacting their daily lives. The results highlight that many transplant recipients face serious challenges related to their treatment, suggesting a strong need for better medication options. Who this helps: This helps transplant patients who often struggle with medication side effects and their everyday lives.

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This paper studied kidney paired donation (KPD), which involves swapping kidneys among donors to find suitable matches for patients. It found that KPD has become increasingly important, making up about 20% of living donor kidney transplants in 2021-2022. The researchers highlighted the need for better education and access for patients regarding the benefits and challenges of KPD, as well as the importance of tracking national data to improve these donation systems, which could also help develop similar methods for liver transplants.

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This study focused on improving pancreas transplantation in the U.S. for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, as the number of these transplants has significantly declined over the past 20 years. Experts identified 16 challenges that are stopping patients from getting transplants and proposed 44 strategies to tackle these issues, including better selection processes for candidates and increased education and collaboration among healthcare providers. These changes are crucial because they aim to make pancreas transplants more accessible and successful, ultimately helping improve patients' lives. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes who are considering pancreas transplantation.

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This study looked at the current state of research regarding robot-assisted kidney transplants (RAKT) to understand how patients are chosen for this procedure and how it varies across the U.S. The findings showed that while about 89% of RAKT recipients might have received kidneys from living donors, there's a lack of clear information on patient selection in studies, making it hard to assess the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. This is important because without standardized reporting, both doctors and patients can't fully understand who is best suited for this type of transplant and what risks might be involved. Who this helps: This helps patients needing kidney transplants and their doctors by providing clearer guidelines for selection and evaluation.

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This study looked at how a new policy for liver transplant distribution, called acuity circles, affected the chances of different racial and gender groups receiving transplants or dying while waiting for one. Out of nearly 60,000 patients, Black and Hispanic women were found to be less likely to receive a liver transplant and faced higher death rates on the waitlist compared to White women. The findings highlight ongoing disparities in liver transplant access for women, especially among racial minorities, which is important for addressing equity in healthcare.

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This study explores the need for a large survey to understand what transplant patients feel is lacking in their immune-suppressing treatments. Currently, most research focuses on preventing organ rejection rather than improving patients' overall quality of life and managing side effects. The American Society of Transplantation is initiating this survey to gather comprehensive feedback from patients, which will help shape better therapies and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits transplant patients who require better support and treatment options.

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This study looked at how different groups of patients with liver cancer (specifically hepatocellular carcinoma) are referred to end-of-life care services. Researchers found that Black patients were 47% more likely to be referred for these services than white patients, and those with health insurance were more likely to enroll in end-of-life care once referred. Understanding these trends is critical, as it highlights potential disparities in care that may affect patient wellbeing during a difficult time. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, especially those from marginalized groups, as well as doctors who need to understand referral patterns in end-of-life care.

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This study focused on improving living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the United States, which helps many patients avoid long wait times and leads to better long-term health outcomes. It found that a key issue limiting LDLT's use is the current culture and attitudes around it, with a strong emphasis on changing these views to recognize LDLT as the best option for patients. To make LDLT more widely accepted, the researchers recommended engaging and educating everyone involved in the process to create a supportive atmosphere for this treatment method.

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Researchers surveyed liver transplant centers in the U.S. to understand their views on living donor liver transplants (LDLT). They found that while 100% of centers that perform LDLT and two-thirds of those that don't see it as important for addressing donor shortages, only about 30% think it's the best first option for patients. Key challenges include the need for more surgical expertise and addressing patient concerns, which must be tackled to improve access to LDLT.

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Researchers looked into the challenges and potential improvements in living donor liver transplants (LDLT) during a conference in October 2021. They found that issues like donor age, size, and blood type mismatches, along with a lack of awareness about the benefits of LDLT and a shortage of skilled surgeons, hinder its growth in the U.S. They recommend creating a national registry for better matching and improving surgical training to ensure more successful transplants, which could greatly increase the availability and effectiveness of these procedures.

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Living donor liver transplantation can reduce deaths on the waitlist, but its use in the U.S. remains low. This consensus conference report from the American Society of Transplantation identified barriers to wider adoption and outlined best practices for selecting candidates and engaging potential donors. The goal is to increase access to living donor transplants across more transplant centers.

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This study looked at how a special clinic for kidney transplant candidates, called the Countdown to Transplant Clinic, helped improve their health after surgery. Out of 75 patients who went through this program, those who participated had better control over their medication levels and fewer hospital readmissions in the first three months after surgery compared to those who received standard care. This matters because better preparation can lead to healthier outcomes and fewer complications for kidney transplant recipients. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients by providing them with more support and education before their surgery.

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This study looked at how non-drug treatments can help caregivers of organ transplant patients manage their stress and improve their well-being. Out of 12 studies reviewed, many found that while caregivers appreciated the support provided, only four showed significant improvements in their mental health or knowledge about transplant care. This is important because caregivers play a vital role in patient recovery, and understanding how to support them better can enhance care for transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of organ transplant patients.

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This study discussed the importance of screening transplant patients for substance use before and after their procedure. The research found that while using certain substances might not necessarily prevent someone from receiving a transplant, understanding a patient's drug habits is crucial for providing safe and effective care. They recommend that transplant teams perform drug tests and monitor patients for substance use to help them manage health risks effectively. Who this helps: This helps transplant patients, doctors, and healthcare providers involved in transplantation.

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This study looked at how liver transplant centers in the U.S. handle patients with liver disease caused by alcohol use. Among the centers surveyed, 70% had no required period of sobriety before someone could be considered for a liver transplant, while 21% required patients to be sober for at least six months. The research shows that attitudes towards liver transplants for alcohol-related conditions are changing, especially for those with severe liver damage from alcohol. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol-related liver disease seeking transplants.

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This study looked at how cognitive problems affect patients who are candidates for organ transplants. It found that many candidates experience cognitive impairments before and after the transplant, especially those who are frail; however, there are no clear patterns or guidelines on how to evaluate and support these patients. Understanding and addressing cognitive function is important because it can impact both the success of the transplant and the care these patients receive afterward. Who this helps: This helps patients and their caregivers by highlighting the need for better cognitive assessments in the transplant process.

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This study focused on the important role of family and friends who care for adults receiving organ transplants. Researchers and healthcare professionals gathered to understand the challenges these caregivers face and found that their needs have often been overlooked. The initiative aims to enhance educational support and research for caregivers, which is crucial for improving the caregiving experience for both them and the transplant patients they assist. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of organ transplant patients.

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This research studied burnout levels among Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) across the U.S. They surveyed 457 CAAs and found that about 24% reported feeling emotionally exhausted, with younger CAAs and those who felt their pay was unfair more likely to experience this. The findings highlight that while CAAs may have lower burnout rates than others in anesthesia, they still face significant risks, and both organization leaders and CAAs must work together to address this issue. Who this helps: This helps CAAs and their employers by identifying factors that contribute to burnout and ways to improve their work environment.

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This study looked into whether using acupuncture as part of the care for people donating their liver or kidney is possible and useful. Out of 40 potential donors, 25 participated, and those who had acupuncture reported about 15% lower pain scores during their recovery compared to those who didn't receive it. This matters because it shows that acupuncture could be a helpful way to support organ donors during a challenging time, though some found it to be an added obligation. Who this helps: This helps organ donors looking for ways to manage pain and stress during their recovery.

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This study examined whether race and socioeconomic factors affected patients' chances of being listed for liver transplantation. Researchers looked at nearly 2,000 patients and found that over half were listed for a transplant, but Black patients had a 26% lower chance of being listed compared to those of other races. This is important because it highlights ongoing inequalities in access to life-saving treatments for liver disease. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with liver disease, by bringing attention to disparities in transplant listings.

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The study looked at the mental health of 104 patients waiting for kidney transplants and found that many have serious psychiatric issues. Specifically, over half (52.4%) showed signs of cognitive impairment, and nearly 29% had limited understanding of health information. This is important because these mental health challenges can affect the success of their transplant and recovery, highlighting the need for more thorough mental health evaluations before surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for kidney transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how integrating health psychologists into specialty care clinics can improve patient care by addressing not just medical issues but also psychological and social factors. The findings indicate that involving psychologists can lead to better health outcomes and efficiency in spending, which is critical given current healthcare challenges. This matters because it can change the way patients are treated, ensuring they receive more comprehensive care. Who this helps: This helps patients by providing them with more holistic care that considers both their mental and physical health.

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This study looked at how to help adults who have received solid organ transplants stick to their medication and care plans. The researchers created a list of practical strategies that transplant centers can use to support patients, including better ways to track their adherence and empower them to take charge of their health. This is important because consistent adherence to medication can significantly improve the health and outcomes for transplant recipients. Who this helps: This benefits adult transplant patients and the healthcare teams that support them.

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This study looked at burnout and marital issues among transplant surgeons who juggle caring for both children and older family members. Out of 286 surveyed surgeons, 38.5% reported problems in their marriage, with those facing challenges in finding childcare feeling more emotionally drained. The findings highlight that the demands of family life can contribute to burnout, especially for those in high-stress jobs like surgery, making it essential for healthcare organizations to support their workers' family needs. Who this helps: This helps transplant surgeons and their families.

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This study looked at burnout levels among transplant surgeons in Europe to see how job demands and support impact their mental well-being. Out of 108 surveyed surgeons, 30.6% reported high emotional exhaustion, 17.6% felt a sense of depersonalization, and 26.9% had low feelings of personal accomplishment. Interestingly, burnout levels were lower compared to surgeons in the U.S., suggesting there may be cultural or other differences influencing these results. Who this helps: This helps transplant surgeons by identifying factors that contribute to their burnout, allowing for better support and interventions.

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This study focused on how effective it is to have a patient-led support group, called the Transplant Living Community, to help organ transplant patients manage their daily lives better. They collected feedback from 823 patients and their support teams, finding that many appreciated having a fellow transplant recipient as a volunteer leader and valued the lifestyle information provided. The program's success depended on several factors, including strong leadership, good visibility in the clinic, and a clear, manageable lifestyle plan. Who this helps: This benefits organ transplant patients and their support networks.

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The study looked at how head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, their supporters, and medical staff feel about having a psychologist involved in their care. It found that most people, especially younger patients and those with past mental health issues, felt that having a psychologist helped them handle distress better. In contrast, current smokers reported less satisfaction with this support. Who this helps: This benefits head and neck cancer patients, especially younger ones and those with mental health concerns.

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The study examined how well adults in different suburban and urban areas understand the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to head and neck cancer. The findings showed that while participants answered an average of 67.2% of HPV-related questions correctly, only one person got all the answers right, highlighting a significant lack of knowledge. This matters because increased awareness about HPV and its risks can lead to better health decisions and potentially lower cancer rates. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving their understanding of HPV and its connection to head and neck cancer.

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This study looked at how much money people spend on treating subjective tinnitus (a ringing in the ears) and whether higher spending leads to more satisfied patients. They found that each patient spends about $2,110 a year on healthcare for tinnitus, but there was no connection between patient satisfaction and how much they spent or how many treatments they received. This is important because it suggests that simply increasing spending on treatments does not guarantee that patients will be happier with their care. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with tinnitus by highlighting the need for better treatment approaches that focus on what patients actually want.

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This study looked at burnout among transplant surgeons in the U.S. and found that 40.1% felt extremely exhausted, while nearly half (46.5%) felt they were achieving less in their jobs. Key factors contributing to burnout included having less control over decisions, higher work demands, and feeling unsupported by coworkers. These findings highlight the need for better workplace support to help prevent burnout in transplant surgeons. Who this helps: This benefits transplant surgeons and healthcare administrators.

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This study looked at whether practicing yoga could help women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer feel better and improve their quality of life. Researchers studied 40 women, some practicing yoga and others participating in wellness education over 10 weeks. Those who did yoga reported improvements in sleep quality, while symptom severity stayed stable for them, unlike the control group where symptoms began to worsen. Who this helps: This helps women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

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The study looked at burnout among transplant nurses, focusing on feelings of emotional exhaustion, detachment from work, and a sense of reduced accomplishment. It found that about half of the nurses experienced high emotional exhaustion, 15.7% felt detached from their work, and over half reported low personal accomplishment. This is important because addressing burnout can lead to better job satisfaction and improved patient care, benefiting both nurses and their patients. Who this helps: This helps transplant nurses and their patients.

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This study looked at how adult patients diagnosed with acute leukemia experience positive changes in their lives, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG), while undergoing chemotherapy. The researchers found that PTG levels tended to increase in patients over time, particularly in younger individuals or those who faced greater challenges to their beliefs. However, higher distress was linked to more severe cancer symptoms and lower spiritual well-being. Understanding these factors is important for supporting patients as they cope with their diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute leukemia and their healthcare providers.

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The study reviewed 25 research articles on yoga programs designed for cancer survivors to see how these programs affected their quality of life and other health-related outcomes. Out of those studies, 13 showed that yoga significantly improved areas such as emotional well-being and symptom relief. This matters because it highlights yoga as a valuable option for cancer survivors to enhance their overall well-being and cope better with the effects of their illness and treatment. Who this helps: This helps cancer survivors seeking ways to improve their health and emotional well-being.

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This study explored the use of Healing Touch therapy for adult patients with acute leukemia. Out of 40 patients surveyed, 71% were interested in trying Healing Touch, and 12 patients who participated in the therapy experienced significant improvements in fatigue and nausea after the sessions. The findings suggest that Healing Touch may help alleviate some symptoms for leukemia patients, which is important for their comfort and overall treatment experience. Who this helps: This helps adult leukemia patients seeking relief from symptoms like fatigue and nausea.