Experiences of kidney transplant recipients one year post-transplant
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The experiences of kidney transplant recipients one year post-transplantation
IRAS ID
283106
Contact name
Beth Parry-Jones
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Kidney transplantation is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for end-stage renal disease, when the kidneys can no longer sustain vital function without renal replacement therapies (DoH, 2004); however, the process of receiving a kidney can give rise to challenges for patients and their families. Aside from recovering from a major operation, transplant recipients must negotiate and adapt to new challenges, stressors, opportunities, roles and demands (Fallow, Gould & Wainwright, 1997; Wainwright, Fallon & Gould, 1999; Zimmermann, Pabst, Bertram et al, 2016). Qualitative research is beginning to broaden our understanding of the kidney transplantation process, though this has traditionally focused on the transplantation experience of kidney donors, as opposed to recipients (Ummel, Achille & Mekkelholt, 2011).Research indicates that kidney transplant recipients may face more severe and qualitatively different challenges during the first year post-transplantation, compared to later stages (Pérez-San-Gregorio et al, 2005), highlighting the need to explore patients’ experiences within distinct time-frames (Lonargáin et al, 2017). There has not yet been a qualitative study in North Wales focusing on kidney transplant recipients’ experiences, despite the large region covered by its Health Board.
The aim of this study therefore is to explore the perceptions, meanings and experiences of adult kidney transplant recipients in North Wales, following their first year of transplantation, with a sub-aim of exploring how their expectations may have shaped these experiences. Understanding the challenges and adjustment processes from recipients’ perspectives may draw attention to the possible implications of kidney transplantation on individuals’ psychological wellbeing and identity, and may inform what support patients and their families need to prepare for life after transplantation. Data will be collected through single semi-structured interviews with kidney transplant recipients. Interview transcripts will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which looks for themes within participants’ experiences (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009).
Summary of Results
This cross-sectional qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore the experiences of adult kidney transplant recipients in north Wales one year following transplantation, with a sub-aim of exploring how expectations may have shaped their experiences.Six kidney transplant recipients (two females, four males; mean age=62 years), who had received a first kidney-only transplant were interviewed 12-23 months following transplantation.
Participants reported minimal expectations for post-transplant life, however, challenges experienced post-transplantation were not necessarily anticipated by patients or their families. While transplantation restored vitality, recipients retained ongoing patient status. The first year was characterised by uncertainty, unpredictability and continued restriction, contributing to heightened vulnerability. Participants described conflicting emotions and pressure to demonstrate transplantation’s benefits. Interpersonal challenges indicated limited understanding by others, of the experience of kidney failure and transplantation. Transplant resilience appeared to take the form of ‘radical acceptance’ and present-moment focus. Finally, patients suggested areas for improving transplant experiences.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0316
Date of REC Opinion
28 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion