Holistic experiences of living with a kidney transplant
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the holistic experiences of living with a kidney transplant
IRAS ID
273348
Contact name
Joanne Reid
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
This research aims to explore the lived experience of kidney transplant recipients, 6 months – 5 years post-transplant. Kidney transplantation is considered the best choice for patients with end-stage renal disease as it provides improved survival and better health and mental well-being compared to being on maintenance dialysis treatment. The intent of kidney transplantation is that recipients will return to a normal life. However, kidney transplant recipients continue to live with a chronic illness, and very little is known about the perceptions and experiences of these individuals. Scientific evidence tends to focus on measurable psychological, social and quality of life outcomes but there is limited research providing in-depth meaning and understanding of patient perceptions and experiences to better prepare and support kidney transplant recipients. It is, therefore, important to fully understand why some patients do not cope and how to inform and support transplant recipients. Qualitative research will provide this information by exploring the range of experiences that arise for kidney transplant recipients including, but not limited to, physical, mental, social, emotional, financial, spiritual and sexual impacts. It will help healthcare providers understand patients’ experiences post-transplant with the aim of developing future supportive interventions which recognise and respond to their needs.
Summary of Results
Providing holistic care to kidney patients is important; however, without full consideration of the perspectives of people living with a kidney transplant, the provision of truly ‘holistic healthcare’ cannot be possible. It is imperative to understand patient experiences by including kidney patients in key strategies and future renal service planning. Ignoring these important patient views means that there is a significant risk of inappropriate renal service provision and lack of adequate support, impacting overall health. The aim of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of kidney transplant recipients. A total of 23 participants were recruited between two regional nephrology units within the United Kingdom via clinical gatekeepers. In-depth interviews were designed in collaboration with public and patient involvement. Interviews were undertaken, digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two themes were identified: “managing ongoing fears of dialysis, distress, and COVID-19” and “dealing with difficult conversations”. Renal healthcare professionals need to understand more than the biological impact of receiving a kidney transplant. Understanding the holistic and multidomain experiences that these participants experience will help healthcare professionals to recognize the needs of this group and ensure more responsive psychosocial care. Read the full study report here https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fu2790089.ct.sendgrid.net%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3DXv3JSvJ-2B3M71ppf7N9agbWg-2F9tK-2FvIbqzTuN-2BF8dNv7jHj5d1x1pLi8ocXFE175r5RkLsCes6QVvwbR0U9jHAA-3D-3DVDAK_E1aO2-2BZlVOSJJV-2FajQqskegTd6IRomHYTi-2Fbt8SH3YI3t7sE51UVNfPU5Lds3qQFwWXE9uZLT-2FI3a3w-2BtPto7miKdWm6zVxY-2FBETQp4ChnvcpVoocZ1V22J6eXj72hA3XaPvozrIll-2FCRqTwtUe05a1gbTLOzEPOTMWI8A2GZCoCsLrTUa2qAba56LtmZex03lAjSNHnWU4QgrNHHAYk3w-3D-3D&data=05%7C01%7Capprovals%40hra.nhs.uk%7C18b5ad3e6ac441c810da08da585cf678%7C8e1f0acad87d4f20939e36243d574267%7C0%7C0%7C637919453533820426%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mH0AdiBAx4fjRiDVU2pvz938Xmst07yToBxe%2Ba5%2BqPs%3D&reserved=0
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
20/WA/0056
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion