Suspension and resumption of kidney transplant programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives from patients, caregivers and potential living donors - a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT: Many countries have suspended kidney transplantation programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic because of concerns for patient safety and the shortage of healthcare resources. This study aimed to describe patient, family member and potential donor perspectives on the suspension and resumption of kidney transplant programmes due to COVID-19. We conducted seven online focus groups involving 31 adult kidney transplant candidates (n = 22), caregivers (n = 4) and potential donors (n = 5). Transcripts were analysed thematically. We identified five themes: cascading disappointments and devastation (with subthemes of shattering hope, succumbing to defeat, regret and guilt); helplessness and vulnerability (fear of declining health, confronted by the threat of and change in dialysis, disconnected from

SUBMITTER: Guha C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7361590 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature