6225 Kidney transplant service 2022 survey- patient feedback

Objectives The changes to the transplant service were setup during the covid 19 pandemic. Adaptations were made to minimize travel exposure for all patients by restructuring the clinic. A virtual transplant clinic overseen by the transplant team was developed. The main aim of the study was to ensure that the restructuring of the transplant clinic meets the needs of our patients and families and to help improve our services. Additionally, we aimed to assess the experience of getting blood work and observations done prior to clinic appointments to ensure a smooth process Methods A survey form was shared with transplant patients and their relatives during their clinic visit. The department has approximately 70 transplant patients. Responses were obtained from 22 transplant patients over a period of 3–4 weeks. Results The total number of responses came from 22 transplant patients: 4 from the patients themselves and 16 from the relatives. Before the virtual clinic, 95% of the patients had blood test and observation. Among the patients, 54% reported a very good experience with the blood tests & observation and 34% reported good experience. Approximately 63% of patients had good & very good experience with the virtual clinic while 90% of patients had good & very good experiences from face-to face. Regarding their preference to virtual clinic: 3 patients preferred all virtual. 5 patients preferred 75% virtual. 4 patients preferred 50% virtual 4 patients preferred 25% virtual 3 patients did not want any virtual clinic No response from 3 patients. 'Chart 1 shows patients experiences with observation and blood test'. 'Table 2 shows some of the patients comments about virtual clinic'. Conclusion Overall, the patients felt that the transplant clinic service is excellent. A higher percentage of patients had better experience with face-to-face clinic when compared to virtual clinic. Physical examination was one of the major disadvantages of a virtual clinic as commented by the patients. Less waiting time in hospital was most advantageous for majority of the patients. The parents/patients feel that getting blood tests done is a major weak link and would prefer a smoother process. Various recommendations and steps has been suggested to help with making blood test a smoother process prior to clinic appointments. A repeat audit would be carried out with the aim to get the response of more patients and to see if patient's preference has changed.