About the Program

What is the "Transplant Companions Program"?

In recent years an increasing number of transplant procedures have taken place in Canada. With survival and recovery rates continuously improving, the support that is required for patients before and after a transplant is increasing. The Transplant Companions program plays a key role in providing patients with the resources, knowledge, support and encouragement essential to experience a successful recovery.

The special approach of the Transplant Companions program can be found in small, interactive workshops led by trained facilitators and post-transplant patients who have first-hand experience in coping with the life changes that take place after surgery.

Transplant Companions was developed by Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. in collaboration with a national, multi-disciplinary steering committee composed of pre- and post-transplant patients, a transplant surgeon, nurses, a pharmacist, a transplant coordinator, social workers, as well as representatives of patient advocacy organizations.

Some transplant centres offer patient support materials and counselling services. The Transplant Companions program can be used as a complement to these existing programs or as a stand-alone teaching resource.

Program Objectives:

• Empower patients to learn more about their condition
• Provide support to pre-transplant patients and their families
• Provide support to post-transplant patients and their families
• Support health care professionals by providing them with useful informational material and resources to further assist them in their work with transplant patients