Life and expectations post-kidney transplant: a qualitative analysis of patient responses

BMC Nephrology

Peg Hill-Callahan¹  Abigail R. Smith¹  Alan B. Leichtman²  Robert M. Merion³  Mark S. Daskin⁴  Emily L. Tucker⁴  Sabrina M. Cottrell⁴  Hannah Schapiro⁴  Evelyn S. Gendron⁴  Kayse Lee Maass⁵  Stephen J. Gill⁶ 

[1] 0000 0004 0628 9837, grid.413857.c, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000 0004 0628 9837, grid.413857.c, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000000086837370, grid.214458.e, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000 0004 0628 9837, grid.413857.c, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000000086837370, grid.214458.e, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000000086837370, grid.214458.e, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000000086837370, grid.214458.e, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;0000 0001 2173 3359, grid.261112.7, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA;Stephen J. Gill Consulting, Ann Arbor, MI, USA;

关键词: Kidney transplantation;    Grounded theory;    Patient experience;    Post-transplant expectations;    Health-related quality of life;    Uncertainty;    Cost;    Comorbidities;    Qualitative research;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12882-019-1368-0

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe effect of a kidney transplant on a recipient extends beyond the restoration of kidney function. However, there is limited qualitative analysis of recipient perspectives on life following transplantation, particularly in the United States. To understand the full patient experience, it is necessary to understand recipient views on life adjustments after kidney transplantation, medical management, and quality of life. This could lead to improvements in recipient care and sense of well-being.MethodsWe conducted a paper-based survey from March 23 to October 1, 2015 of 476 kidney transplant recipients at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We analyzed their open-ended responses using qualitative research methods. This is a companion analysis to a previous quantitative report on the closed-ended responses to that survey.ResultsCommon themes relating to changes following transplantation included: improvements in quality of life, a return to normalcy, better health and more energy. Concerns included: duration of graft survival, fears about one day returning to dialysis or needing to undergo another kidney transplant, comorbidities, future quality of life, and the cost and quality of their healthcare. Many recipients were grateful for their transplant, but some were anxious about the burdens transplantation placed on their loved ones.ConclusionsWhile most recipients reported meaningful improvements in health and lifestyle after kidney transplantation, a minority of participants experienced declines in energy or health status. Worries about how long the transplant will function, future health, and cost and quality of healthcare are prevalent. Future research could study the effects of providing additional information, programs, and interventions following transplantation that target these concerns. This may better prepare and support kidney recipients and lead to improvements in the patient experience.

【 授权许可】

CC BY