Creating a kidney transplant recipient educational program

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has led to increased rates of End Stage Renal Disease and hence, dialysis patients. In parallel, the option of kidney transplant is available as soon as that of dialysis. Considering the impact of this disease on patient quality of life and mortality, it is important to assist these patients in self-management and coping. Transplant recipients have to be very active in their disease management to ensure survival of their graft. Hence, their participation in an educational program that helps them maintain their graft survival and improves their quality of life is very important.Consequently, the purpose of this project was to propose an educational program for patients who have undergone a kidney transplant. The aim is to help patients understand, manage their transplant graft, as well as prevent and detect complications early so as to prevent loss of their graft and avoid frequent hospital admissions.The proposed educational program is based on adult learning theory and uses a variety of teaching methods, including a DVD, written material, and a total of ten educational sessions. The program is started before the transplant surgery with one session to allow provision of the needed knowledge and skills gradually. Two sessions are given during hospitalization starting the fifth day following surgery, focusing on areas of concern in the immediate post discharge period. Then weekly sessions are offered during clinic visits covering screening, self-management, adherence to the medication regimen, and prevention and early detection of complications. Pre and post knowledge testing is proposed to assess the program effectiveness, in addition to evaluation of the sessions by the patients.The program is developed including chronological sequence, staffing resources, education strategies, session outlines and objectives, and evaluation. Recommendations for implementation and program development, and impact evaluation are proposed.