Experiences and Understanding of Well‐Being in Lung Transplant Recipients in China: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Aim To explore lung transplant recipients' perceptions of well‐being when they are facing uncertain health outcomes, including identifying the factors to enhance well‐being. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Methods A purposive sample of 11 lung transplantation recipients who were hospitalised in the Department of Organ Transplantation of a tertiary university hospital was recruited in China. A descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. Themes were organised within a PERMA model. Colaizzi's qualitative analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Five major themes and 11 categories were generated: (1) mindset shift [optimism and hope and living in the moment]; (2) meaning in life [self‐care, priority change and value realisation]; (3) health benefits [improved health and behavioural changes]; (4) perceived support [support from family, the health care team and others]; (5) unmet support needs. Conclusion Lung transplant recipients could perceive well‐being from five aspects that caused significantly favourable transformation across a variety of aspects in patients' lives. These findings may support nursing staff when caring for this patient group, making them aware of multifaceted nature of well‐being. They could offer insight into potential pathways for the development of nurse‐led tailored interventions, based on specific elements of PERMA model. Impact This work adds to a growing body of knowledge about well‐being amongst lung transplant patients. These findings may support nursing staff when caring for this patient group, making them aware of multifaceted nature of well‐being and illustrating factors that promote positive well‐being in this group, based on specific elements of PERMA model. Reporting Method This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Patient or Public Contribution Two lung transplant recipients were involved in the early phases of this study. They helped in formulating the interview outline.