The Effect of Web-Based Education on Symptoms and Adherence To Immunosuppressive Medications In Liver Transplant...

Liver transplant patients experience several symptoms associated with immunosuppressive medications and have problems in medication adherence. This study aims to examine the effect of web-based education on symptoms and adherence to immunosuppressive medications in liver transplant patients.

This is a randomized controlled trial study. The population of the study consisted of patients who had liver transplantation in a university hospital at least 2 months and at most 2 years before the interview (N = 116). The sample of the study consisted of a total of 90 liver transplant patients who were determined by a power analysis. The data were collected between January and July 2021 using a patient information form, the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale-59 Items (MTSOSD-59), and the Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence Scale (IMAS).

Liver transplant patients in the experimental group were given a web-based education for 1 month. After the education, a significant decrease was observed in their symptom's occurrence and discomfort with symptoms scores and a significant increase in their immunosuppressive medication adherence scores, compared to that of those in the control group (P < .05).

As a result, the web-based education reduced the symptoms and discomfort associated with immunosuppressive medications in liver transplant patients and increased their immunosuppressive medication adherence.