Transplant Resources
Helping patients consider their treatment options is an on-going process. Initially dialysis patients may have fewer treatment options as a result of poor health status and existing co-morbid conditions. As patients progress on dialysis and other conditions come under control, other options may be explored. Transplantation is not for everyone. Emotional or psychological barriers may limit any one individual's readiness for transplantation. Yet for those individuals, who may be immediately available for a transplant referral or for those patients for whom a referral could be achieved by meeting certain goals, early assessment is key.
Steps include:
- Establish the patient's overall medical condition – heart, diabetes, blood pressure, physical stamina and immune system, etc.
- Establish the patient's overall mental health and readiness.
- Review financial costs both pre- and post- transplant.
- Explore donor potential and mating criteria.
- Explore commitment to treatment adherence.
- Review the transplant center options within geographical proximity.
The following links to educational materials and resources may assist you with helping patients working towards a transplant.
- Talking Transplant (A Network handout) [PDF, 585KB]
- Additional Kidney Transplantation Resource Materials
- Kidney Transplantation Video Resources
- Kidney Transplantation Links