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Patient involvement in selection of immunosuppressive regimen following transplantation
Authors Popoola J, Greene H, Kyegombe M, MacPhee I
Received 15 May 2014
Accepted for publication 12 August 2014
Published 12 December 2014 Volume 2014:8 Pages 1705—1712
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S38987
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Johnny Chen
Joyce Popoola,1,3 Helen Greene,2 Margaret Kyegombe,2 Iain A MacPhee1,3
1Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, 2Department of Pharmacy, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, 3St George’s University of London, London, UK
Abstract: Transplantation has made a considerable difference to the lives of many patients. However, feedback from patients indicates that although having a transplant is a hugely positive experience, having to take medications indefinitely is one of the biggest challenges. An ideal scenario would be no medications following a transplant. A compromise would be a minimal number of medications, with minimal restrictions and as simple a regimen as possible. Although there is considerable research going into fine-tuning the management of the immune response to a transplant, to date there is no universal regimen that enables patients to remain free of immunosuppressant medications, making adherence paramount to maintain long-term allograft survival. This paper reviews the available immunosuppressant regimens and factors influencing choice from both the clinician’s and the patient’s perspective. Factors influencing the decision-making process, such as quality of life for patients, their satisfaction, acceptability, and adherence uptake are reviewed. We conclude with a further assessment of patient choice as a factor in regimen selection, its impact on adherence, and its implications.
Keywords: adherence, transplant, allograft, immunosuppressants, patient involvement, satisfaction, decision-making
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