The TALKS study to improve communication, logistical, and financial barriers to live donor kidney transplantation in African Americans: protocol of a randomized clinical trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s12882-015-0153-y
• Publication Date: 2015-10-09T13:07:19Z
• Authors: Tara S. Strigo; Patti L. Ephraim; Iris Pounds; Felicia Hill-Briggs; Linda Darrell; Matthew Ellis; Debra Sudan; Hamid Rabb; Dorry Segev; Nae-Yuh Wang; Mary Kaiser; Margaret Falkovic; Jill F. Lebov; L. Ebony Boulware
• Keywords: Nephrology

Live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT), an optimal therapy for many patients with end-stage disease, is underutilized, particularly by African Americans. Potential recipient difficulties initiating and sustaining conversations about LDKT, identifying willing medically eligible donors, potential donors' logistical financial hurdles have been cited as contributors to race disparities in LDKT. Few interventions specifically targeting these factors tested. We report the protocol of Talking Living Kidney Donation Support (TALKS) study, a study designed evaluate effectiveness behavioral, educational assistance improve access LDKT among Americans on deceased transplant waiting list. adapted previously tested social worker intervention shown consideration pursuit their family members its use also developed help donors overcome challenges they might face during live donation. will conducting randomized controlled trial which list receive 1) usual care while list, 2) intervention, or 3) plus option participating program. The primary outcome measure recipients' activation (a composite rate inquiries, completed new evaluations, donation) at 1 year. TALKS rigorously assess promising reduce NCT02369354 .