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Patients prioritize waitlist over posttransplant outcomes when evaluating kidney transplant centers
Author(s) -
Husain Syed Ali,
Brennan Corey,
Michelson Ariane,
Tsapepas Demetra,
Patzer Rachel E.,
Schold Jesse D.,
Mohan Sumit
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1600-6143
pISSN - 1600-6135
DOI - 10.1111/ajt.14985
Subject(s) - medicine , kidney transplant , dialysis , renal transplant , reputation , family medicine , transplantation , kidney transplantation , social science , sociology
Factors that patients value when choosing a transplant center have not been well studied. In order to guide the improvement of patient‐facing materials, we conducted an anonymous electronic survey of patients that assessed the relative importance of patient experience, practical considerations, transplant center reputation, center experience, and waitlist when selecting a transplant center. A total of 409 respondents completed the survey, of whom 68% were kidney transplant recipients and 32% had chronic kidney disease or were on dialysis. Participants had mean age 56 ± 12 years and were predominantly female (61%), white (79%), and had an associate’s degree or higher (68%). Participants most often prioritized waitlist when evaluating transplant centers (transplanted 26%, chronic kidney disease 40%), and waitlist was almost twice as likely as outcomes to be ranked most important (30% vs 17%). Education level and transplant status were significantly associated with factors used for center prioritization. Waitlisted respondents most commonly (48%) relied on physicians for information when selecting a center, while a minority cited transplant‐specific organizations. In order to improve shared decision‐making, materials outlining center‐specific waitlist features should be prioritized. Novel patient‐oriented metrics for measuring transplant center quality that align with patient priorities must be explored.