Photo Credit: Aria sandi Hasim

The following is a summary of “Informing transplant candidate and donor education in living kidney donation: mapping educational needs through a rapid review,” published in the May 2025 issue of BMC Nephrology by Truhan et al. 

Technological advances in healthcare led to the wider use of video educational resources for the extensive education required for both donors and transplant candidates undergoing the complex medical procedure of living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT).  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to synthesize qualitative evidence on educational experiences, preferences, and needs related to living donor kidney transplantation from the perspectives of candidates, recipients, donors, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who required transplant.  

They carried out a rapid review of qualitative studies focused on educational needs in LDKT. A comprehensive search was completed using MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases, covering the years 2013 to 2023. The review followed methodological recommendations from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group.  

The results showed that, out of 1,802 references, 27 qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed from 803 candidates/recipients with transplant, 512 living donors, 104 HCPs, and 102 family/friends, 3 key themes emerged: Extensive LDKT Education Throughout Treatment, Shared Learning, Social Support, and Family Dynamics in LDKT, and the Importance of Diversity and Inclusivity for Minorities.  

Investigators concluded that improvements and innovations were needed regarding LDKT education to candidates, donors, and support networks for kidney transplantation.  

Source: bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-025-04116-0