Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding self-management by kidney transplant recipients in South Africa: A qualitative study

Background: Kidney transplant is the recommended treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Healthcare professionals involved in kidney transplant management are the main stakeholders in facilitating quality evidence-based care to improve overall kidney transplant self-management, ultimately improving long-term durability of the transplanted kidney. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding self-management by kidney transplant recipients in South Africa. Methodology: Purposive sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews developed from an in-depth reading of appropriate literature. A qualitative design was used. A sample size of 20 was determined by data saturation. Data were analyzed through the use of a thematic template. Results: Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding kidney transplant self-management were categorized in terms of benefits, barriers and consequences. The identified benefits included independence, procreation, improved quality of life, and decreased physical, financial and social burden. The perceived barriers included negative attitudes, lack of support, non-adherence, lack of education and insight on kidney transplant self-management. Perceived consequences of poor self-management included, financial burden, increased workload and low staff morale. Success of kidney transplant self-management is largely attributed to the healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Understanding the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding kidney transplant self-management may assist in developing in-service training programmes to remove barriers and to alter negative perceptions of healthcare professionals. This may enable them to improve their facilitation of self-management by kidney transplant recipients. Keywords: Kidney transplant recipient, Kidney transplant self-management, Perceptions, Healthcare professional