Exploring quality of life among renal and liver transplant recipients

Quality of life and spirituality of patients with chronic kidney disease: pre- and post-transplant analysis

OBJECTIVE

to compare the quality of life (QoL) of patients under dialysis and after kidney transplant; correlate the QoL of transplant patients to sociodemographic, morbid and spirituality/religiosity variables.

METHOD

prospective study with a quantitative approach, with a sample of 27 patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis or dialysis undergoing kidney transplant. QoL and spirituality were assessed by the KDQOL-SF and WHOQOL-SRPB tools, being correlated with sociodemographic and economic variables.

RESULTS

the dimensions of total mental component, kidney disease effects and kidney disease burden showed significant improvement in the post-transplant period, with p <0.0004. There was a significant correlation between four dimensions of spirituality and seven dimensions of QoL; p ranged from 0.04 to 0.006.

CONCLUSION

there was a significant improvement in QoL in the post-transplant period. The dimensions of spirituality: wholeness and integration, spiritual connection, wonder and inner peace were positively correlated with seven dimensions of QoL.

Life and expectations post-kidney transplant: a qualitative analysis of patient responses

BACKGROUND

The effect of a kidney transplant on a recipient extends beyond the restoration of kidney function. However, there is limited qualitative analysis of recipient perspectives on life following transplantation, particularly in the United States. To understand the full patient experience, it is necessary to understand recipient views on life adjustments after kidney transplantation, medical management, and quality of life. This could lead to improvements in recipient care and sense of well-being.

METHODS

We conducted a paper-based survey from March 23 to October 1, 2015 of 476 kidney transplant recipients at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We analyzed their open-ended responses using qualitative research methods. This is a companion analysis to a previous quantitative report on the closed-ended responses to that survey.

RESULTS

Common themes relating to changes following transplantation included: improvements in quality of life, a return to normalcy, better health and more energy. Concerns included: duration of graft survival, fears about one day returning to dialysis or needing to undergo another kidney transplant, comorbidities, future quality of life, and the cost and quality of their healthcare. Many recipients were grateful for their transplant, but some were anxious about the burdens transplantation placed on their loved ones.

CONCLUSIONS

While most recipients reported meaningful improvements in health and lifestyle after kidney transplantation, a minority of participants experienced declines in energy or health status. Worries about how long the transplant will function, future health, and cost and quality of healthcare are prevalent. Future research could study the effects of providing additional information, programs, and interventions following transplantation that target these concerns. This may better prepare and support kidney recipients and lead to improvements in the patient experience.