Context: Waitlisted Hispanics received disproportionately fewer living donor kidney transplantation in 2014 compared to non-Hispanic whites (4% versus 10%). Internet-based education improves organ donation and access to transplantation. Currently, there is a lack of culturally competent online resources for Hispanic patients. National surveys show that Hispanics use the Internet at rates comparable to their non-Hispanic white counterparts (76% versus 86%). Despite this, only 8% of transplant centers offer Internet resources other than English in 2014 and only 38% utilize computer-based resources for patient education. Little is currently known about Hispanic preferences and perceptions regarding internet-based education.

Methods: 285 (101 patients, 167 relatives, 17 friends) voluntary participants attended the Hispanic Transplant Program (HTP) educational sessions from October 2013 to July 2015 and participated in a written survey. Surveys included closed-ended questions assessing educational and language preferences, Internet access and use, and smartphone access. Individual 6-point Likert-scales were assessed.

Results: There is overwhelming access to the Internet among Hispanics. Over 95% of participants have direct or indirect online access. Over 80% of patients use the Internet at least once a week and 69% do so multiple times a week. 88% of participants use the Internet for health information. Over 85% of participants have access to smartphones or tablet. Conclusion: There is a current lack of culturally focused approaches at transplant centers nationwide. Our results suggest that the Internet could play an important role in improving kidney donation among Hispanics through pre-kidney transplantation education.

CITATION INFORMATION: Gomez H, Malagon-Blackwell E, Caicedo J. Can We Improve Donation Through Pre-Kidney Transplantation Education Using Internet-Based Resources? An Analysis of Internet Use Patterns Among Hispanics. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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