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. 2025 Aug;30(8):e70106.
doi: 10.1111/nep.70106.

Patient Needs and Priorities for a Goal-Setting Intervention in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Workshop Report

Colm O'Reilly  1   2 , Dale Coghlan  3 , Anastasia Hughes  1   2 , Karine Manera  1   2 , Andrea Matus Gonzalez  1   2 , Javier Recabarren Silva  1   2 , Angela Rejuso  1   2 , Nicole Scholes-Robertson  1   2 , Armando Teixeira-Pinto  1   2 , Germaine Wong  1   2 , Rebecca Wu  1   2 , Jeff S Coombes  4 , Jacki Liddle  5   6 , John Kanellis  7 , Martin Howell  8 , Yeoungjee Cho  9   10 , Kelly Lambert  11 , Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell  12 , Allison Jaure  1   2 , Chandana Guha  1   2 ; GOAL‐KIT workshop investigators
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Patient Needs and Priorities for a Goal-Setting Intervention in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Workshop Report

Colm O'Reilly et al. Nephrology (Carlton). 2025 Aug.

Abstract

Aim: Kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of side effects and complications and must adhere to a complex treatment regimen. Goal-setting interventions have the potential for improving behavioural, health and quality of life outcomes. The aim of the workshop was to identify the priorities of kidney transplant recipients regarding goal-setting domains, and to describe their perspectives on the design and implementation of goal-setting interventions.

Methods: We convened an online workshop co-designed with consumers and researchers with three breakout groups involving 18 adult kidney transplant recipients in Australia. Participants identified and voted for goal-setting domains (e.g., diet and nutrition), in order of priority, discussed reasons for their priorities, and provided suggestions for the design and implementation of a goal-setting program. Votes were then scored to reflect the level of priority assigned to each domain. Transcripts from the workshop were analysed thematically.

Results: Of the seven goal-setting domains voted as important to patients, the top five domains were: treatment management (53 points), diet and nutrition (22 points), physical fitness (15 points), social participation (6 points) and mental health (5 points). Four themes that captured the discussions were: adapting to complex self-management responsibilities, strengthening motivation, ensuring safety and contributing to long-term benefits.

Conclusion: In a co-design process, kidney transplant recipients prioritised the goal-setting domains that addressed treatment, lifestyle and psychosocial wellbeing, and suggested that a goal-setting intervention should involve coaching and monitoring.

Keywords: consumer engagement; goal setting; kidney transplantation; qualitative research; quality of life.

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References

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