Transition of Care of Stable Kidney Transplant Patients to Referring Nephrologists: A Survey of U.S. Transplant Program Staff

Background and Objectives

We conducted a national survey to assess the opinions and experiences of transplant center staff related to processes of care graduation.

Methods

Following IRB approval, medical staff at U.S. adult kidney transplant programs were surveyed using the Qualtrics survey platform (4/5/2022–10/05/2022). Respondents were invited via email and listservs of professional societies. If > 1 survey was submitted for a program, a selection hierarchy was utilized (e.g., prioritizing nephrologists’ responses).

Results

Respondents provided data from 46.7% of active programs (N = 92), representing 67% of the national kidney transplant volume. Most respondents (70%) were nephrologists. Full graduation to referring nephrologists was reported by 39% of transplant programs, with an additional 48% reporting partial graduation with ongoing co-management. Rationales for graduation were multifactorial, most commonly including patient travel distance (64%), maintenance of referral base (58%), continuity of care (58%), and center and/or patient burden (54%). Common reasons cited by programs for postgraduation return of care to the transplant center included worsening renal function (82%), malignancy (66%), opportunistic infection (63%), limited local nephrologist availability (60%), and pregnancy planning (57%). Additional coordinators and clinic staff were cited as needed to make transplant center perpetual care feasible by 78% of programs, with 71% stating that more clinicians are needed, while half thought more physical space or telemedicine are required.

Conclusions

Graduation of kidney transplant patients is common, with half of programs using a joint-care approach and another third reporting full return of care to the referring nephrologist. Expanded opportunities related to transplant care for the broad nephrology community are essential.