Patient Needs and Priorities for a Goal-Setting Intervention in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Workshop Report

Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of side effects and complications and must adhere to a complex treatment regimen. Goal-setting interventions have the potential for improving behavioural, health and quality of life outcomes. The aim of the workshop was to identify the priorities of kidney transplant recipients regarding goal-setting domains, and to describe their perspectives on the design and implementation of goal-setting interventions.

We convened an online workshop co-designed with consumers and researchers with three breakout groups involving 18 adult kidney transplant recipients in Australia. Participants identified and voted for goal-setting domains (e.g., diet and nutrition), in order of priority, discussed reasons for their priorities, and provided suggestions for the design and implementation of a goal-setting program. Votes were then scored to reflect the level of priority assigned to each domain. Transcripts from the workshop were analysed thematically.

Of the seven goal-setting domains voted as important to patients, the top five domains were: treatment management (53 points), diet and nutrition (22 points), physical fitness (15 points), social participation (6 points) and mental health (5 points). Four themes that captured the discussions were: adapting to complex self-management responsibilities, strengthening motivation, ensuring safety and contributing to long-term benefits.

In a co-design process, kidney transplant recipients prioritised the goal-setting domains that addressed treatment, lifestyle and psychosocial wellbeing, and suggested that a goal-setting intervention should involve coaching and monitoring.