Background:

Organ transplantation is often the best treatment to maintain as high quality of life as possible of the affected patient. At the state of organ failure, transplantation can in certain circumstances be the only possible treatment. The time waiting for an organ can be life changing for the patient, while in many cases it is the best treatment for maintaining a good quality of life. Aim: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the patient's perceptions and experiences of waiting for a new organ. Method: A literature-based study based on the analysis of qualitative data. Results: This study resulted in a main theme, which was named The struggle for survival, and three related subthemes identified; To alternate between hope and despair, To live in a limited life situation and To be in need of support. The results illustrates how many participants experienced the time waiting for a transplantation as long and uncertain which in turn created many mixed feelings among the participants. These feelings combined with the unpredictable future, create multiple forms of suffering among the participants. Conclusion: It appears that the nurse plays an important role when it comes to supporting the patient. The support consists mainly of sharing information with the patient, but also by giving the patient emotional support. The nurse can through his or her support help to relieve the patient's suffering. In order to support the patient in the most efficient manner requires that the nurse has knowledge and understanding regarding the patients' life situation in order to as much as possible facilitate his or her waiting.