*Purpose: Successful outcomes post-transplantation demands significant commitment from patients therefore it is crucial that they have a good understanding of what is involved. Our pharmacist raised concerns that many newly transplanted patients had limited knowledge of what their post-transplant treatment required, despite an assumption that they had been fully prepared during their transplant workup. Patients reported similar concerns and this lack of preparation resulted in unrealistic expectations and anxiety in the early weeks post-transplant with potential compromise to clinical outcomes.

*Methods: We reviewed our transplant workup processes and realised the excellent information opportunities we had in place focussed on the decision to proceed to transplantation and often occurred months or years before the operation. We were missing the opportunity to prepare patients for what to expect after the operation. We designed a new information-sharing session for patients active on the transplant waiting list with the aim of empowering patients and improving their engagement and adherence. The sessions focus on: 1. what to expect once they receive the transplant call 2. hospital admission 3. long-term follow-up 4. clinic schedules 5. medication regimes 6. fluid requirements and dietary modifications. Seminars are delivered by a multidisciplinary team (nurse, pharmacist and doctor) in small, informal groups with a multi-sensory approach to encourage interaction. Participants are encouraged to attend with family and friends for support, ask questions and voice concerns that allow the team to unpick misunderstandings and allay anxieties.

*Results: Feedback has been very positive and to support patients further we are designing post-transplant seminars to reinforce key messages and address new queries and concerns. Feedback also highlighted information gaps that we have now corrected. Sessions are also delivered within our dialysis units to capture those unable to attend due to their dialysis commitments.

*Conclusions: The anticipated outcome is a more satisfied patient group who feel empowered through better understanding and support throughout their transplant journey. From a clinical perspective, we expect this to translate into improved mental and physical patient health as well as longer kidney transplant survival. To further develop and transfer this learning, we are designing seminars for patients post-transplant (within three months) to reinforce key messages and address new queries and concerns.

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