Summary
Manualized psychotherapy for the optimization of immunosuppressant adherence following kidney transplantation: Results of a feasibility studyObjectives: Adherence can be defined as the extent to which patients follow the instructions for prescribed treatments. Up to 37 % of renal transplant recipients are classified as nonadherent to immunosuppressant medication. Nonadherence, however, is significantly correlated with transplant rejection and loss. The objective of this manual is to optimize adherence to immunosuppressant medication, to improve health literacy, and to raise quality of life among renal transplant recipients. Methods: This article introduces a therapeutic manual and shows the results of a feasibility study. Results: Seven patients were recruited for the feasibility study. Acceptance of the participating patients was clear, and there was no treatment discontinuation. All planned contents could be discussed. In addition to the side effects of immunosuppressants, social support was also discussed as an important topic.
Conclusions:The intervention can be implemented following kidney transplantation as a regular and stable offer together with the available resources of nephrological and psychosomatic regular care facilities. It is thus easily transferable into the services of transplant centers.
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