Colm O'reilly1
1University Of Sydney Centre for Kidney Research, , Australia
Biography:
I have an undergraduate degree from University College Cork and a Masters in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I currently work as a research assistant at the Centre for Kidney Research, where I work with the SONG initiative helping to develop core outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) research, and the CARI guidelines group, developing guidelines to improve care in CKD. I have previously worked in the Irish public health department, conducting specialised contact tracing and exposure investigations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background:
Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of side effects and complications and must adhere to a complex treatment regimen. Goal-setting interventions have the potential for improving behavioral, health and quality of life outcomes. The aim of the workshop was to identify the priorities of kidney transplant recipients regarding goal-setting domains, and to describe their perspectives on the design and implementation of goal-setting interventions.
Methods:
We convened an online workshop co-designed with consumers and researchers with three breakout groups involving 18 adult kidney transplant recipients in Australia. Participants identified and voted for goal-setting domains (e.g. diet and nutrition), in order of priority, discussed reasons for their priorities and provided suggestions for the design and implementation of a goal-setting program. Votes were then scored to reflect the level of priority assigned to each domain. Transcripts from the workshop were analyzed thematically.
Results:
Of the seven goal-setting domains voted as important to patients, the top five domains were: treatment management (53 points), diet and nutrition (22 points), physical fitness (15 points), social participation (6 points), and mental health (5 points). Four themes that captured the discussions were: adapting to complex self-management responsibilities, strengthening motivation, ensuring safety, and contributing to long term benefits.
Conclusion:
In a co-design process, kidney transplant recipients prioritized the goal-setting domains that addressed treatment, lifestyle, and psychosocial wellbeing, and suggested that a goal-setting intervention should involve coaching and monitoring.