My Kidney T.R.E.K. - Thinking, Reflecting, and Empowering Kidney Transplant Patients, through technology

Adolescents and young adults with kidney transplants face unique challenges as they transition toward independent self-management. These youth need tools that not only support skill-building but also foster reflection, a key component of self-management. To address this need, we created a digital prototype designed to help users reflect on their transplant journey through storytelling and evaluated it in a study with 23 participants (13 youth and 10 caregivers) using. Participants found value in engaging with the prototype, which helped them reflect on their past experiences, gain insight into their current journey, and envision their future. Youth, in particular, reported increased self-awareness and confidence in managing their health. Based on these findings, we present design recommendations for future digital health tools aimed at supporting self-management in youth with chronic conditions.