Real needs of end-stage kidney disease patients awaiting kidney transplantation in China: A qualitative study

To explore the true needs of patients awaiting kidney transplantation in China through the language used by them. We addressed the literature gap concerning this critical aspect of patient care and counselling.

We interviewed 32 individuals-22 who were on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and 10 were kidney transplant recipients. The obtained data were analysed using Colaizzi seven-step method.

Four themes encompassing 86 coded statements were identified and crosschecked with each participant for validation.The waiting period needs of the participants fell into four distinct categories: emotional support, informational, medical support, and social support needs.

We can determine the needs of patients by interpreting their linguistic cues with a nuanced understanding.Transplant professionals must (1) understand patients' needs from their perspective; (2) recognise the dynamic changes in their emotional support demands; and (3) determine each patient's informational needs, their willingness to receive medical support, and the current state of their social support.

Our results offer insights for transplant professionals to better support patients awaiting kidney transplantation, highlighting the need to routinely attend to their unmet emotional, informational, medical and social support needs. This will enable patients to better prepare for transplantation while anticipating the arrival of a matched kidney.