Abstract
The number of kidney transplantation cases has gradually been increasing in Japan. Along with the growth in the number of transplantation patients, the management and instruction provided for these patients by their dialysis facilities have also become increasingly important. Therefore, we studied ways for patients to cope with transplantation problems in a satellite facility. We instructed patients who were on dialysis in this hospital and who wished to undergo kidney transplantation by dividing the preparation time frame into three periods. I. Learning period: Patients were educated about the differences between dialysis and kidney transplantation and social and medical characteristics of transplantation, according to the patients' comprehension level. II. Preparation period: HLA tests and recipient registration were completed for those who desired to have living or cadaver kidney transplantation. At the same time, we conducted case studies with the assistance of those who had experienced transplantation in the past, in order to help the prospective recipients cope with the expectations and anxiety of the transplantation. III. Transplantation waiting period: We treated and instructed the patients on methods of preventing possible complications that disturb transplantation, such as anemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In conclusion, by means of proper instruction and management we were able to enhance the understanding of patients who wish to have kidney transplantation. We consider it necessary to continue to provide prospective patients with adequate and effective education on transplantation.
