Storytelling for Kidney Transplant Promotion

(LDKT Stories Trial)

Overseen By Meghan He, BSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Clinical contraindications, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how storytelling (narrative interventions) might encourage people with severe kidney disease to consider a living donor kidney transplant. Participants will watch videos of real-life transplant stories to determine if these stories motivate them to pursue a transplant. Researchers will also assess whether these videos are helpful and culturally appropriate, particularly for communities needing more transplants. Individuals who are waitlisted or newly referred for a kidney transplant in Vancouver, can read and understand English, and are willing to share some personal details may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could inspire others and improve transplant outcomes.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this storytelling method is safe for patients with end-stage renal disease?

Research has shown that using storytelling in this trial to promote kidney transplants is generally safe. Storytelling involves sharing personal experiences through videos, eliminating the need for specific safety data. This approach educates and motivates patients without involving drugs or medical procedures.

Studies have found that storytelling helps patients understand and connect with others' experiences, making them feel more comfortable and informed about living donor kidney transplants. Since storytelling involves listening to others' stories, it lacks the risks associated with medical treatments. Participants generally tolerate it well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using storytelling for kidney transplant promotion because it offers a fresh approach to patient education. Unlike traditional methods that rely on standard educational materials, this method introduces storytelling videos to engage patients emotionally and personally. This approach aims to make complex medical information more relatable and memorable, potentially increasing patients' understanding and motivation to pursue transplantation. By tapping into the power of narrative, researchers hope to improve patient outcomes and engagement in their healthcare journey.

What evidence suggests that storytelling is effective for promoting kidney transplants?

Research has shown that storytelling, which participants in this trial may experience through storytelling videos, can effectively encourage patients to consider living donor kidney transplants. Studies have found that personal stories from kidney donors or recipients help patients understand the process and benefits in a relatable way. This method effectively reaches disadvantaged and racialized communities by providing information that is easy to understand and culturally sensitive. Previous findings suggest that storytelling boosts motivation and readiness to pursue living donor kidney transplants by offering emotional connection and practical advice. Therefore, storytelling shows promise in helping more patients consider and move forward with this life-saving option. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with end-stage renal disease who are considering a Living Donor Kidney Transplant (LDKT). It aims to support racialized communities and address health equity. The study seeks participants open to learning through patient education materials.

Inclusion Criteria

Waitlisted and newly referred kidney transplant candidates at the Vancouver Kidney Transplant Program

Able to provide informed consent

English literate

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to understand English and provide informed consent

Unwilling to disclose information on race or ethnicity

I am not eligible for a transplant due to medical reasons.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants watch two storytelling videos from the Living Donation Storytelling Library in addition to standard of care patient education materials

1 month

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in readiness, motivation, and actions towards pursuing LDKT

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Storytelling

Trial Overview The effectiveness of storytelling videos versus standard patient education in motivating individuals towards LDKT is being tested. Participants will watch real stories from donors and recipients to see if it influences their readiness for transplant.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

2 storytelling videos in addition to standard of care patient education materials

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard of care patient education materials

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Houston Methodist Transplant & Surgery Center of Excellence

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A new health literacy intervention, which included a film and motivational interviewing sessions led by dialysis nurses, was positively received by both patients and nurses, indicating its feasibility and acceptability for preparing patients for kidney transplantation.

The intervention fostered meaningful dialogue that enhanced patients' understanding and confidence, although nurses found the motivational interviewing approach challenging, highlighting the need for additional training and support for effective implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intervening on health literacy by knowledge translation processes in kidney transplantation: A feasibility study. Andersen, MH., Urstad, KH., Larsen, MH., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9218227/

Living Kidney Donation Stories and Advice Shared ... This study identified the challenges faced, coping strategies used, and advice shared by transplant donors and recipients.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10194229/

Findings of living donation experiences shared on a digital ... FPS can also be an effective educational intervention to reach disadvantaged kidney patients, since unlike traditional didactic interventions, storytelling is ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-living-donor-kidney-transplantation-11-2024-c2e50

Storytelling for Kidney Transplant Promotion (LDKT Stories ... This study will examine the effectiveness of first-person storytelling in encouraging patients with end-stage renal disease to pursue Living Donor Kidney ...

4. cdn.clinicaltrials.gov cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/19/NCT06734819/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

Effectiveness of Digital Storytelling in Increasing As of. 2020, the library has 118 stories from living donors and kidney recipients sharing their experiences with the challenges, fears, and joys ...

5. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/cf84a4b2ad1d72c4/nct06734819-effectiveness-digital-storytelling-kidney-donor-recruitment

Storytelling to Promote Living Donor Kidney Transplant This study will examine the effectiveness of first-person storytelling in encouraging patients with end-stage renal disease to pursue Living Donor Kidney ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772628222000085

Findings of living donation experiences shared on a digital ... To identify common experiences and emotional changes shared by living donors and kidney recipients about their living donation experiences on a digital ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12048991/

Informing transplant candidate and donor education in ... This study aimed to synthesize the existing qualitative evidence on LDKT educational experiences, preferences, and needs from the perspectives of kidney ...