P5.02: Impacts on NHS Renal Transplant Educational Service Delivery During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: During the current covid-19 global health pandemic the delivery esiting face-to-face patient healthcare education in extremely vulnerable patients has posed several challenges. Adaptations to the delivery of healthcare provisions have been vital to prevent unnecessary exposure of patients to risky hospital environements. Covid-19 created multiple constraints on patient care. This included our clinical teams own ability to interact directly with potential renal transplant recipients in the pre-existing conventional manner. Pre covid-19 pandemic, the renal transplant unit at Leicester General Hospital established comprehensive patient information sessions which were patient facing, forming the initial transplant recipient assessment process and the introduction for potential live kidney donors. However during the pandemic information sessions have unfortunately been postponed until the patient attends the transplant assessment clinic appointment with the surgeon, or when the potential live donor attends the hospital to be assessed by our live donor coordinator. To adhere to social distancing guidelines we developed and initiated a pilot programme for such patient’s which involved a structured virtual process delivered from an online platform. Methods: A Single centre study which involved patients attending in November 2020 accessing Microsoft Teams, listening to the live presentation from the lead transplant consultant and coordinators. The electronic equipment that patients required access to was either a laptop/computer or a smart mobile. The session allowed for live interaction and patient participation. Results: Initial pilot: 11 patients participated in the virtual session, 3 potential donor and recipient pairs. Patients included; either being assessed for suitability for renal transplantation or commencing the live donor work up process. Participants were asked to complete an online feedback survey following completion of the session. 8 questions were formally analysed, 72% answered. Patient outcome data supported the pilot study and patient feedback was favourable for this method. Conclusion: The pilot suggests that we have safely demonstrated that the delivery of healthcare can effectively be modified to safeguard patients, particularly those classified as extremely vulnerable, thus preventing unnecessary hospital exposure during the covid-19 global health pandemic. The delivery of patient facing care has successfully been adapted without compromising care standards.