Introduction: It is firmly established that for patients requiring transplant, living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is better than deceased donor transplantation. However, recipients find it difficult to discuss living donation (LKD). In an attempt to increase LKD, we implemented The Kidney Coach Program (KCP), which equips identified kidney coaches with the tools needed to find potential donors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the KCP on increasing the number of people considering LKD.

Methods: The KCP utilized educational material, videos and lecture content to train eligible coaches. Content included information about LDKT, LKD, developing a narrative and utilizing various communication methods to share their story. The program was modified to meet individual coach needs. After training the coach, (routinely with a single session),the team monitored progress and intervened with guidance through the process.

Results: Over a 12-month period, 25 people called and expressed interest in being a kidney coach for 19 transplant candidates, 4 of whom chose to be their own coach. All were sent the educational materials. 15 came in for personalized training by the team. 52 people called to consider living donation for 10 candidates. 11 were eligible for donor evaluation, 3 were cleared and 1 donated. 53% of coaches presented once the candidate had been listed, 32% during the surgical evaluation, 11% when a living donor was declined and 1 individual at initial transplant evaluation. Most were referred by a member of the transplant team. There was no significant difference in the number of LKD inquiries by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions: The Kidney Coach Program is an effective method to spread the word about a person's need for a LDKT. 50% of candidates were successful in finding someone to consider LKD. The best time to introduce the coach program is after the candidate is listed for transplant, although discussion during the evaluation may be of some utility. Transplant programs need to provide training to candidates and their identified support system on effective ways to find a living donor.

CITATION INFORMATION: LaPointe Rudow D, Geatrakas S, Armenti J, Tomback A, Shapiro R. Increasing Living Donation by Implementing the Kidney Coach Program. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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