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Facilitators and barriers of medication adherence in pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients: a

Anouck Claes1, Anneloes Decorte2, Elena Levtchenko2

  • 1University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Progress in Transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
|December 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric transplant patients face medication adherence challenges. Practical aids and fewer regimen changes significantly improve adherence for young transplant recipients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Transplant Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Patient Adherence Research

Background:

  • Young transplant patients (≤11 years) often struggle with adhering to immunosuppressive and co-medications.
  • Existing research on adherence determinants in this age group is limited, flawed, and often focuses narrowly on barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors that positively and negatively affect medication adherence in pediatric transplant recipients.
  • To explore facilitators and barriers to medication adherence from parental perspectives.

Main Methods:

  • A consecutive mixed-methods design combining qualitative interviews and quantitative adherence assessment.
  • Semistructured interviews with parents of 10 pediatric liver or kidney transplant recipients (2-11 years old).
  • Adherence quantification and use of the "immunosuppressive medication adherence barriers" self-report instrument.

Main Results:

  • Common barriers included forgetfulness (70%), vomiting (70%), bad taste (60%), and routine interruptions (60%).
  • Key facilitators reported by parents were practical aids (100%), always carrying medication (100%), fewer medications (80%), and stable regimens (80%).
  • No significant distinction in barriers or facilitators was found between immunosuppressants and co-medications.

Conclusions:

  • Peer experiences offer valuable insights for improving medication adherence in young transplant patients.
  • Practical strategies and regimen simplification are crucial for enhancing adherence in this population.
Abstract

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