Transplant center provision of education and culturally and linguistically competent care: a national study

Although transplant centers are required to educate patients about kidney transplantation (KT) and living donation (LD), little is known about the educational format, and cultural and linguistic competence necessary for patients to make informed treatment decisions. This study surveyed US transplant administrators about education provided concerning KT and LD and culturally and linguistically competent care. Transplant administrators were invited to participate in an anonymous Internet-based survey about education format, education providers, promoting LD, culturally and linguistically competent care and center characteristics. Most (61%) transplant administrators contacted (N = 280/461) completed the survey. Most administrators (91%) reported that their center provides any type of formal education in their pre-KT evaluation. Education was mostly provided by: nurses (97%), social workers (72%) and surgeons (55%), and predominantly as one-on-one (80%) versus group discussions (60%). Education was primarily delivered through written materials (93%). Written educational materials in Spanish (86%) and the provision of interpreters (82%) were emphasized over educational sessions in Spanish (39%), or employing bilingual (51%) and bicultural staff (39%). Half (55%) promoted LD as the best option. Transplant centers need to take greater efforts to consistently provide appropriate education, promote LD, and provide culturally and linguistically competent care to ensure effective communication with all patients.