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Abstract: TH-PO885

Living Kidney Donors' Perspectives of Telemedicine Video Visits for Donor Evaluation: A Qualitative Study

Session Information

Category: Transplantation

  • 2102 Transplantation: Clinical

Authors

  • Al Ammary, Fawaz, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
  • Kim, Ellie, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Group or Team Name

  • Transplant Qualitative Research Collaborative.
Background

Living kidney donor evaluation is a complex multiphase process that takes approximately one year. It requires in-person visits where access to a transplant center becomes a barrier for willing candidates. Telemedicine via synchronous video enhances care coordination of donors. We conducted a qualitative study to understand donors/donor candidates' perceptions of telemedicine in donor evaluation.

Methods

We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews between 11/23/2021 and 03/17/2022. We interviewed 20 donors/donor candidates who completed their evaluation via telemedicine or in-person visits at a tertiary transplant center in Baltimore, Maryland. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported the following: 1) Telemedicine reduces travel time and travel-related expenses. 2) Telemedicine requires less time commitment compared to in-person, which allowed for more flexibility with scheduling their visit and made it easier to take less time off work. 3) Telemedicine reduced the burden of arranging for child and family care. 4) Interest in having introductory information provided prior to their visit. 5) Some concerns about telemedicine visit privacy and security. 6) Suggestions for using visual aids to facilitate the information shared during their visit. 7) Preferences in telemedicine versus in-person based on the providers’ roles, specifically noting that they would prefer to meet the surgeon in-person. 8) Differences in levels of personal connectedness and communication. 9) Advantage of telemedicine allowing family and significant others to attend their visits.

Conclusion

Our findings provide information about donors/donor candidates’ experiences and attitudes toward using telemedicine for donor evaluation. The reported views help inform a care coordination model in the donor evaluation process to enhance engagement of donor candidates and support completion of their evaluation.

Funding

  • NIDDK Support