Pilot of IMPACT Intervention at the University of New Mexico

Overview

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at greater risk of weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular events post-transplant; but medications are limited in their effectiveness, and patients may face contraindications and unwanted side effects, given their complex post-transplant immunosuppression regimen. The investigators will pilot a randomized-controlled trial to test the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally-appropriate, multi-behavior (diet and exercise) lifestyle intervention for 20 American Indian, Hispanic/Latino(a), and White KTRs. Critical components of the pilot trial include: (a) an individually tailored exercise and diet plan with a physical therapist/exercise physiologist and a registered dietitian nutritionist, who will work closely with the post-transplant team to carefully monitor patient stability; and, (b) the use of the Twistle Patient Engagement Platform to follow-up with participants between their scheduled appointments and to collect all questionnaire data.

In Improving Healthcare Outcomes in American Indian and Hispanic Transplant Recipients Using Culturally-Tailored Novel Technology (IMPACT), the investigators will pilot the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally-tailored, multi-behavior lifestyle intervention using a novel technology for 14-20 AI, HL, and White KT recipients. Because of KT recipients' varied stability immediately post-transplant, and the need to individually monitor their post-transplant immunosuppression regimen, a critical component of IMPACT will be an individually-tailored exercise and diet plan with a physical therapist/exercise physiologist and a registered dietitian nutritionist, who will work closely with the post-transplant team to carefully monitor patient stability. IMPACT will combine a personalized assessment of the patient's food preferences and access to exercise resources within their environment (based on a standard list of factors developed by the nutrition and rehabilitation experts) along with clinical specifications from the transplant team. The study is innovative because it addresses previous limitations, while adapting the intervention to meet the needs of the culturally-diverse ESKD population. The final innovation of the IMPACT Pilot is the use of the Twistle Patient Engagement Platform to follow-up with participants between their scheduled appointments, ensure adherence to the intervention, collect all questionnaire data, and enhance participant retention.