Volume 28 Number 3

Everyone matters, everyone cares

Myra Serrano

For referencing Serrano M. Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. TJA Journal 2019; 28(3):3.

DOI https://doi.org/10.33235/tja.28.3.3

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Author(s)

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Everyone matters, everyone cares
was the theme of the 2019 TNA National Conference that echoed through the plenary, poster and free paper presentations over the 2-day conference. The theme is timely indeed. Subthemes and related topics relating to equity and equality are appearing frequently in the news and social media in recent times, as well as in healthcare, politics, boardrooms, classrooms and even in the entertainment business. It is also quite appropriate for this issue of the TJA as it is fundamentally reflected in the guest editorial and in the articles.

The guest editorial by Dr Deborah Verran describes the differences between the two related terms of equity and equality, as well as the compounding issues. Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to achieve this goal. Equivalent rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities are essential to society’s growth; however, it remains a great challenge and there is still a long way to go to achieve equality. In healthcare, Dr Verran asserts that an ongoing organisational commitment to achieving a diverse workforce is a vital step towards equality.

The articles in this issue are great reminders that all voices matter. This includes the voice of the patient, their caregiver, and the multidisciplinary team. Everyone has a role to play in transplant care and can positively influence transplant outcomes. By being sensitive to other’s needs, we are able to customise our care to best suit the patients’ needs. Easier said than done because of competing demands, in particular the physiological versus the psychosocial needs of the patient. I’m not suggesting we choose one over the other, and optimising physiological functioning will always take priority post-transplantation. However, if the aim is holistic and comprehensive care of the patient, then their psychosocial care should be considered as essential as their physiological care. Study after study have shown the positive connection between overall wellbeing and physical health. The articles by Roberts and Brodie, and Palackalody both suggest that delivering pre- and post-transplant education and support are essential roles for the transplant nurses in optimising patient outcomes.

2019 is quickly coming to an end and, upon reflection, I have decided to leave as editor of the TJA. I have been privileged to be in the role for 8 years, with a 4-year term around mid-2000 and another 4-year term beginning 2016. During these terms, I oversaw the transition from Transplant Nurses’ Journal to Transplant Journal of Australasia and the evolution of the TJA e-journal. TNA is a progressive association that we all should be proud to be part of. As other associations suffer from disparities and dwindling memberships, the TNA has gone from strength to strength. This is a credit to all the active members and volunteers in the National and State Executives. Their vision, dedication and passion drives the association to greater heights. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by these remarkable mentors and role models, and I encourage all members to take on a role in the TNA or the TJA when the opportunity arises. The collaboration and team work is what distinguishes the TNA as a formidable association.

I’d like to thank the Editorial Board members, associate editor and National Executive who have supported me in my role, in sourcing articles, reviewing manuscripts and for their ideas. They work in the background and their contribution is always appreciated. The TJA may be a small journal compared with others but it does get somewhat hectic when considering the Editorial Board and National Executive’s work in donation and transplantation that does not have set hours and which is crammed with on calls and overtime. Hence I appreciate their time even more, and thank you for your commitment over the years.

I have learned so much in this role and it’s truly been a privilege. It’s now time for change so watch out for the invitation to join the Editorial Board as a member, associate editor or editor. Calls for applications will soon arrive in your inbox so be sure to look out for it. I thank you all so much for this opportunity to lead the TJA but I’m not leaving the TNA so, who knows, one day I could be back for another 4-year term. Have a safe and happy holidays everyone!

 

The 1st TNA Scholarship deadline is 10th February 2020,
visit the TNA website for the forms and instructions

 

Author(s)

Myra Serrano
Editor
Email TJAeditor@tna.asn.au