Background: The effect of a kidney transplant on a recipient extends beyond the restoration of kidney function.\nHowever, there is limited qualitative analysis of recipient perspectives on life following transplantation, particularly\nin the United States. To understand the full patient experience, it is necessary to understand recipient views on life\nadjustments after kidney transplantation, medical management, and quality of life. This could lead to improvements\nin recipient care and sense of well-being.\nMethods: We conducted a paper-based survey from March 23 to October 1, 2015 of 476 kidney transplant recipients\nat the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We analyzed their open-ended responses using\nqualitative research methods. This is a companion analysis to a previous quantitative report on the closed-ended\nresponses to that survey.\nResults: Common themes relating to changes following transplantation included: improvements in quality of life, a\nreturn to normalcy, better health and more energy. Concerns included: duration of graft survival, fears about one day\nreturning to dialysis or needing to undergo another kidney transplant, comorbidities, future quality of life, and the cost\nand quality of their healthcare. Many recipients were grateful for their transplant, but some were anxious about the\nburdens transplantation placed on their loved ones.\nConclusions: While most recipients reported meaningful improvements in health and lifestyle after kidney transplantation,\na minority of participants experienced declines in energy or health status. Worries about how long the transplant will\nfunction, future health, and cost and quality of healthcare are prevalent. Future research could study the effects\nof providing additional information, programs, and interventions following transplantation that target these concerns.\nThis may better prepare and support kidney recipients and lead to improvements in the patient experience.
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