The African American Transplant Access Program: Mitigating Disparities in Solid Organ Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Immunology
• Health Disparities Research

Background:

• Black Americans experience end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at disproportionately higher rates.
• Kidney transplantation offers the best outcomes for ESKD, yet Black patients face decreased access.
• Structural and institutional barriers contribute to significant disparities in kidney transplant access for Black patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize existing literature on kidney transplant disparities for Black patients.
• To present a novel, practical solution to improve transplant access for Black Americans.
• To introduce the African American Transplant Access Program (AATAP) and its framework.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on Black patient disparities in kidney transplantation.
• Conceptualization and detailed overview of the African American Transplant Access Program (AATAP).
• Description of AATAP's pillars: cultural congruency, trust, health literacy, and psychosocial support.

Main Results:

• The AATAP program is designed to address structural and institutional barriers faced by Black patients.
• Preliminary results indicate the program's potential to improve transplant access.
• Guidance is provided for establishing similar culturally congruent transplant access programs.

Conclusions:

• Culturally congruent programs are essential to overcome barriers in kidney transplant access for Black patients.
• The AATAP model offers a practical framework for reducing racial disparities in transplantation.
• Further implementation of such programs can improve outcomes for Black Americans with ESKD.