Choosing a transplant center is one decision in a long pre-transplant process facing many patients. Qualitative studies have previously been used to better understand the experiences, attitudes, values, and behaviors of patients for a number of critical pre-transplant decision points. However, little is known about the patient experience of selecting a desired transplant center based on referral and other available information or about what information gaps may exist when choosing a center. This qualitative study included 20 semi-structured interviews with kidney transplant patients at 2 centers in Minnesota: 50% male; 65% white, 35% black; median age 50 (min 21, max 69). Several themes emerged that are related to the experience of choosing a transplant center. Patients are often unfamiliar with different available options, even if multiple centers are local. Patients are often referred to a specific center and assume this is the only option available. Those patients who are provided with multiple options have little specific information about each option in order to make a decision. Patients have a limited understanding of how one center may be different from another, and some are interested in seeing comparative data. Challenges exist in disseminating new information to patients because of existing barriers to decision making such as a limited general knowledge about transplant and uncertainty using the internet as a resource. The information will be used to inform new patient resources to identify and compare transplant centers.

CITATION INFORMATION: Schaffhausen C, Bruin M, Synder J, Kasiske B, Israni A. Barriers and Experiences When Patients Decide on a Kidney Transplant Center. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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