Improving Medication Adherence in Kidney Transplant Recipients Through Educational Intervention and Monitoring: A...

Kidney graft survival after transplantation is highly dependent on continuous adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Poor adherence is a significant cause of graft loss, and educational interventions to optimize care have been proposed. We evaluated the effect of standardized educational interventions on knowledge, adherence, and clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

In this randomized clinical trial including 59 patients, the intervention group (n = 31) received 2 health education sessions (video, booklet, and oral explanations), while the control group (n = 28) received only routine discharge guidance. Patients' knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire before and after the intervention, and adherence was measured with the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS). Clinical outcomes were monitored for 12 months.

Educational interventions had a highly significant impact on patients' knowledge. At 1 week after discharge, the intervention group scored significantly higher than the control group (7.5 vs 5.1; P < .001). Adherence assessed by BAASIS at 6 months was statistically similar in the 2 groups (45.2% vs 39.3%; P = .697). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in rejection rates, infections, or survival during the first year.

Educational interventions proved to be an effective strategy to increase patients' knowledge about post-transplantation treatment. Although short-term effects on clinical outcomes and adherence were not significant, improved knowledge is crucial to promote long-term adherence.