Perception of transplant recipients and professionals about health care following kidney transplantation

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perception of renal transplant recipients and professionals about health care following kidney transplantation. Method: Exploratory, qualitative study, carried out through focus groups and questionnaire application, in 2023, with kidney transplant recipients and healthcare professionals. The analysis was performed with the support of the software IRaMuTeQ®. Results: Twenty-four transplant recipients and 18 professionals participated. From data processing, two thematic groups emerged: use of immunosuppressive medications and dietary habits after kidney transplantation, and other non-pharmacological care and health monitoring after transplantation. Conclusion: The major concern of transplant recipients is related to the use of medication and eating habits; and professionals consider the use of medication and health monitoring extremely important for the proper functioning of the transplanted graft. However, there is an importance of non-pharmacological care, for both groups, in the face of adequate therapeutic follow-up.