Posttransplant quality of life: a decade of descriptive studies leading to practice interventions

Following 10 years of descriptive quality-of-life studies, an innovative approach to outpatient care has been developed to decrease adverse events, increase employment, and enhance social support among renal transplant recipients. These 3 variables were found in the authors' previous studies to be predictive of increased quality of life following transplantation. With funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research, a multidisciplinary team has been assembled to implement the interventions identified. This article reviews the previous work that led to the development of the intervention study and demonstrates how research can guide practice.