A new intervention has been developed to address the issue of limited access to kidney transplants in the United States. The intervention, called IMPACT (Improving Access to Kidney Transplantation), focuses on educating patients and healthcare professionals about the benefits of transplantation and the steps involved in the transplant process.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million people in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease, with nearly 700,000 of them having end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, access to transplantation remains a challenge, especially for minority and low-income populations.
IMPACT aims to improve access to kidney transplantation by providing education and resources to patients and healthcare professionals. The intervention includes a web-based interactive guide that walks patients through the transplant process, addresses common concerns, and provides personalized information based on the patient’s specific situation.
The intervention also includes training sessions for healthcare professionals, focusing on increasing their knowledge and confidence in discussing transplantation with patients. By improving education and awareness, IMPACT strives to increase the number of patients referred for transplantation evaluation and ultimately improve access to life-saving kidney transplants.
This intervention has the potential to address the disparities in access to kidney transplantation and improve outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease. By providing comprehensive information and resources, IMPACT aims to empower patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about transplantation and increase access to this life-saving procedure.