Sociocultural Issues in Pediatric Transplantation: A Conceptual Model

Objective To demonstrate the value of viewing the pediatric transplant experience through a sociocultural lens and to offer an organized framework for identifying influential sociocultural variables in pediatric transplantation. Methods A conceptual model is presented which organizes sociocultural factors that may influence the transplant process. A review of the pediatric and adult transplant literature is conducted. Results The need for a model addressing sociocultural issues and benefits of using the proposed model is evident. Guided by the proposed model, pediatric psychologists will be prepared to more readily attend to sociocultural influences associated with the transplant experience when conducting research or providing clinical services to patients and families. Conclusions Further development and evaluation of the proposed model are necessary to investigate its practical utility and validate the influence of the identified variables on assessment and treatment of pediatric transplant patients as well as patient health outcomes.