Early and Preemptive Transplant: Helping Patients and Providers Consider the Whole Picture

Abstract

This article briefly reviews a March 2007 KDOQI conference convened in 2007 to review information available regarding preemptive transplantation. Psychosocial implications as they relate to preemptive transplant are discussed. Social work assessment and psychoeduation is essential in identifying barriers in preemptive transplant that may differ from patients already on dialysis. Transplant social workers can provide collaboration and case management to improve patient outcomes through preparation.