JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for the management of most cases of end-stage renal disease. Recipients need to lead a healthy lifestyle to minimize the possible side effects to immunosuppressant drugs, and improve the results of transplantation. One of the objectives set by the nursing team is to train people to acquire the necessary skills and tools to be able to self-care.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to draft an Information guideline for adults with kidney transplantation.

Methods:

A 3-step methodological, sequential approach was used: 1) training from a group of experts and item consensus; 2) review of the medical literature available; 3) use of the Delphi technique with on-site meetings. Five nurses from the Community de Madrid Kidney Transplantation Unit, Madrid Spain were asked to participate. They kept their professional commitment across the entire process. The patients’ lifestyles that, according to the medical literature available and experts’ opinion, have the greatest impact on the survival of the transplanted organ and the recipient himself were all described.

Results:

After achieving consensus using the modified Delphi method on the items that should be included and the information necessary in each of these items, an Information guideline for adults with kidney transplantation was eventually drafted. This Guideline facilitates structuring healthcare, information, and the necessary recommendations for every individual to be able to self-care effectively. Therefore, an easy-to-understand, useful tool for transplant physicians and nurses has been drafter in plain language with information based on the latest scientific-medical evidence published to this date.

Conclusions:

Currently, this Guideline is the main intervention variable of a clinical trial destined to improve compliance to healthy habits in kidney transplant recipients from the Community of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. Clinical Trial: Clinical Trial NCT05715580