We hypothesize that expansion of the Living Donor Navigator (LDN) program to include tele-health delivery will overcome geographic disparities in access and facilitate sustained increases in living donation. We will utilize an individually randomized group trial (IRGT) design with delayed intervention initiation to compare the effectiveness of tele-health LDN model to standard of care.
Transplant candidate-related and potential living donor-related factors, including difficulty asking family/friends to donate on one's behalf and lack of knowledge about the donation process, respectively, have been implicated in lower donation rates. The investigators will conduct an individually randomized group trial (IRGT) with delayed intervention initiation allowing for: (1) scalability/ implementation in a less resource-intensive fashion compared to traditional randomized trials; (2) Avoid self-selection bias as all participants ultimately participate in the intervention. The LDN Program combines advocacy-training to overcome barriers in initiating conversations with and identification of potential living donors with the use of non-clinical navigators to guide donors through the evaluation process. Participants will be randomized to one of two arms; Arm 1 includes the LDN program via in-person modality, and Arm 2 includes the LDN program via tele-health modality. The investigators primary objective is to demonstrate the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing living donation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
347
The investigators have developed a 4-session educational program that simultaneously addresses potential donor concerns with the evaluation/donation process and provides advocacy training to transplant candidates and their advocates.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Number Live Donor Screenings
The number of living donors screened on behalf of transplant candidates will be collected/ identified through the electronic medical record system.
Time frame: Within 3 months of condition
Number of Live Donor Approvals
The number of living donor approvals on behalf of transplant candidates will be collected/ identified through the electronic medical record system.
Time frame: Within 3 months of condition
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