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Description
Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) kidney transplant recipients face unique challenges in maintaining long-term graft function and overall health. Nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy and difficulties transitioning from pediatric to adult care contribute to the increased risk of graft failure in this population. Despite proposed tools identifying adherence barriers, there is a lack of implementation and targeted interventions addressing the barriers AYA transplant recipients face. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured transition program that utilizes an adherence barrier tool and adherence-promoting interventions in improving health outcomes for adolescent and young adult (AYA) kidney transplant recipients. Method: A quasi-experimental, longitudinal cohort study will assess the impact of multifaceted interventions, including education, peer support, and transition planning. Outcome measures will include medication adherence rates, healthcare utilization, and graft survival rates over a five-year period. Data analysis will involve statistical comparisons of baseline and post-intervention adherence, with inferential statistics used to determine significance. Results: It is anticipated that identifying barriers in a structured transitional support program with adherence interventions will lead to improved self-management, increased adherence, sustained function, and better long-term outcomes.
Conclusion: AYA kidney transplant recipients require targeted support and interventions to navigate the challenges of post-transplant care and the transition into adult healthcare settings. There is a need for a standardized transitional program.
Department
Nursing
Faculty Mentor(s)
Kendra Hoepper DNP, APRN, PNP-BC
Publication Date
2025
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
Scholarly Creative Works Conference, Dominican University of California
City
San Rafael, CA
Keywords
adolescents and young adults, kidney transplant adherence, developmental stage of adolescents, transition from pediatric to adult care, and interventions for organ transplant adolescents
Disciplines
Child Psychology | Nursing | Pediatric Nursing