STEP - Support Through Education Program

After the transplant you will receive your personal copy of the Queensland Liver Transplant Service Shared Care Booklet. Included is information about employment, re-training, travel, volunteer and other meaningful activities.

Many patients describe transplantation as an opportunity to review their life, because of the second chance transplantation has provided.

Patients vary in their readiness to start activities of day to day living. There is no set time when to start work or similar activity although many patients comment that 3–6 months after the transplant is often when they are feeling settled and stronger. The individual transplant experience, past medical history and reason for needing a transplant; can all impact the recovery. It is generally a gradual but forward-moving process. The key however is making the most of the transplant opportunity in whatever way is meaningful and useful to you, your family, your situation and your hopes.

Counselling and support appointments, office, ward, clinic or telehealth are available to help with any matters that individuals, couples and families might be facing both during the pre and post-transplant phases. These can range from practical concerns, right through to personal, relationship or family issues; or dealing with lifestyle or ongoing illness issues. Referrals can also be arranged to external practitioners and agencies. The important thing is to ask for help as we do not always know when you might need extra support.

We express genuine and heartfelt appreciation to former liver transplant patients who over the years have chosen to participate with the STEP (Support Through Education Program) on a voluntary basis, sharing their experiences and stories with those waiting transplant and navigating the early stages of transplantation. The volunteer former patients and families make up what has become known since 2002 as the Liver Transplant Support Network. This informal network provides an important component of support to newer patients especially thought the support program (STEP).

With a move towards online delivery of STEP, we will continue offering established liver transplant patients and families the opportunity to join the Liver Transplant Support Network, enabling them to participate in STEP when they wish to and from wherever they are.