Patterns and correlates of adherence to self‐monitoring in lung transplant recipients during the first 12 months after discharge from transplant

Abstract

Self-monitoring of lung function, vital signs, and symptoms is crucial for lung transplant recipients (LTRs) to ensure early detection of complications and prompt intervention. This study sought to identify patterns and correlates of adherence to self-monitoring among LTRs over the first 12-months post-discharge from transplant. This study analyzed existing data from the usual care arm participants of a randomized clinical trial who tracked self-monitoring activities using paper-and-pencil logs. Adherence was calculated as the percent of days LTRs recorded any self-monitoring data per interval: hospital discharge-2 months, 3–6 months, and 7–12 months. The sample (N=91) was mostly white (87.9%), male (61.5%), with a mean age of 57.2±13.8 years. Group-based trajectory analyses revealed 2 groups: 1) moderately adherent with slow decline (n=29, 31.9%) and 2) persistently nonadherent (n=62, 68.1%). Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed the following baseline factors increased the risk in the persistently nonadherent group: female (p=.035), higher anxiety (p=.008), and weaker sense of personal control over health (p=.005). Poorer physical health over 12-months were associated with increased risk in the persistently nonadherent group (p=.004). This study highlighted several modifiable factors for future interventions to target, including reducing post-transplant anxiety, and strengthening sense of personal control over health in LTRs.

Recovery, symptoms, and well‐being one to five years after lung transplantation – A multi‐centre study

“…It involves bronchoscopies, biopsies, lab tests, chest radiographs and clinical examinations but also active patient engagement in a variety of health behaviors , i.e., self‐management. This include intake of medication, regular physical activity, reducing the use of alcohol, smoking cessation, sun‐protection, keeping medical appointments as well as self‐monitoring of lung function, vital signs and symptoms . Based on a clinical perspective, healthcare professionals expect LuTRs to play an active role in their recovery process.…”

Trajectories of self‐care agency and associated factors in lung transplant recipients over the first 12 months following transplantation

“…6,7 Despite the widely agreed importance of these self-care behaviors, accumulating evidence shows that actual performance of these behaviors by LTRs is suboptimal and far below the recommended levels. 4,8,9 …”