A brief psychological intervention to improve adherence following transplantation

Poor adherence is recognized as a major contributor to morbidity, mortality, decreased quality of life, higher medical costs, and over-utilization of health care services among transplant recipients. While there is universal recognition that poor adherence negatively impacts transplant outcomes, interventions designed to improve adherence have not been the focus of much attention in the transplant literature. The purpose of this article is to describe a brief, theory-based and individually tailored intervention to promote adherence. This intervention is currently used with all liver transplant recipients at our institution. The main goal of the intervention is to reduce the effects of known barriers to adherence by providing recipients with the education, skills, and resources needed to optimize adherence. Adherence is measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant and additional adherence booster sessions are provided as needed. This intervention has been very favorably received by patients, caregivers, transplant physicians, and nurse coordinators.