For patients with kidney failure the two treatment options are kidney transplantation or dialysis. Transplantation offers longer survival, better quality of life and provides cost savings for the health system (\>$60,000/year per patient). Unfortunately, there are not enough organs available and 20% of patients die on dialysis waiting for a deceased donor kidney. Living kidney donation is a safe and proven treatment that leads to even better patient and health system outcomes than deceased donor kidney transplant. The Kidney Health Strategic Clinical Network (KH-SCN) identified increasing living kidney donation as a priority and in 2015 established the Living Donor Kidney Transplant Working Group (LDKTWG) comprised of patients, donors, health care professionals, researchers, and administrators. In an evidenced review published by the investigators, the intervention with the best evidence and greatest impact was personalized support provided by a multidisciplinary team to inform and educate the patients' social network. This intervention increased living kidney donations by 34%. The investigators confirmed through a province wide survey that many patients with kidney failure are unable to find a living kidney donor and find it difficult to approach potential donors due to lack of skills, supports, and resources and these issues are particularly apparent in vulnerable populations. The investigators have developed the Multidisciplinary Support To Access living donor Kidney Transplant (MuST AKT) intervention to support patients in identifying and communicating with their social networks. The investigators will test the effectiveness of this intervention.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Living Kidney Donor Evaluation Started
Timeframe: 12 months