V Martinelli1, M Gregorini2, P Politi3, F Erasmi4, A Contardi4, M Abelli5, E Ticozzelli6, M Canevari4, A Pietrabissa6, M Chiappedi7, T Rampino4. 1. Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. Electronic address: valentina.martinelli@unipv.it. 2. Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. 3. Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. 4. Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy. 5. Transplant Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy. 6. Unit of General Surgery 2, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy. 7. Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the context of kidney transplantation (KT), multidisciplinary interventions, including assessment and management of psychosocial aspects, are important to improve transplant's outcome. The aim of this study was to describe a multidisciplinary team approach to KT, with a specific focus on early detection and treatment of psychological distress and psychopathologic conditions in the early phase postsurgery. METHODS: The multidisciplinary team in kidney transplantation was implemented in January 2016. In this team approach, all transplant recipients are invited to 3 scheduled appointments for a multidisciplinary evaluation at 1, 3, and 6 months posttransplant, including a psychiatric interview, with the aim to assess the patient's adjustment after transplantation and provide support when necessary. RESULTS: This pilot study involved all 41 KT recipients consecutively referred for the first multidisciplinary appointment after transplantation. Five subjects (12% of the study sample) presented with a current psychiatric diagnosis. Psychopharmacologic treatment was confirmed or introduced for all these patients. Further psychological support was suggested to 4 other patients (10%). CONCLUSION: KT significantly improves patients' quality of life. However, the percentage of subjects receiving psychopharmacologic treatment and referred for further psychological and psychiatric support (22%) suggests the need for careful monitoring of psychosocial aspects over the long term.
BACKGROUND: In the context of kidney transplantation (KT), multidisciplinary interventions, including assessment and management of psychosocial aspects, are important to improve transplant's outcome. The aim of this study was to describe a multidisciplinary team approach to KT, with a specific focus on early detection and treatment of psychological distress and psychopathologic conditions in the early phase postsurgery. METHODS: The multidisciplinary team in kidney transplantation was implemented in January 2016. In this team approach, all transplant recipients are invited to 3 scheduled appointments for a multidisciplinary evaluation at 1, 3, and 6 months posttransplant, including a psychiatric interview, with the aim to assess the patient's adjustment after transplantation and provide support when necessary. RESULTS: This pilot study involved all 41 KT recipients consecutively referred for the first multidisciplinary appointment after transplantation. Five subjects (12% of the study sample) presented with a current psychiatric diagnosis. Psychopharmacologic treatment was confirmed or introduced for all these patients. Further psychological support was suggested to 4 other patients (10%). CONCLUSION: KT significantly improves patients' quality of life. However, the percentage of subjects receiving psychopharmacologic treatment and referred for further psychological and psychiatric support (22%) suggests the need for careful monitoring of psychosocial aspects over the long term.