Liver Transplantation, Medication Adherence
Conditions
Keywords
Liver transplantation, Immunosuppressive medication, Medication adherence, Digital patient education, Digital follow-up, Quality of life, Randomized controlled trial, Nursing intervention
Brief summary
This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effect of digital follow-up supported patient education on immunosuppressive medication adherence and quality of life in adult liver transplant recipients. Participants in both groups received standard discharge education. The intervention group additionally received structured digital follow-up messages for 12 weeks, while the control group received standard care only. Medication adherence and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention using validated questionnaires.
Detailed description
Lifelong adherence to immunosuppressive medication is essential for preventing graft rejection and maintaining long-term graft survival after liver transplantation. However, medication non-adherence remains a common problem and may negatively affect patient outcomes and quality of life. Digital follow-up interventions may improve adherence by providing regular reminders and educational support after discharge. This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Liver Transplant Center of Acibadem Kent Hospital, İzmir, Türkiye. Adult liver transplant recipients who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to either a digital education group or a control group. All participants received standard discharge education. In addition, participants in the intervention group received structured digital follow-up messages for 12 weeks. The control group received routine follow-up care only. The primary outcome was immunosuppressive medication adherence, assessed using the Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The secondary outcome was quality of life, assessed using the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ 2.0). Outcomes were evaluated before the intervention and at the end of the 12-week follow-up period.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALDigital Follow-up Supported Patient Education
Participants received standard discharge education followed by structured digital follow-up messages for 12 weeks to improve immunosuppressive medication adherence and quality of life.
OTHERStandard Care
Participants received routine discharge education and standard follow-up care. No additional digital follow-up messages or educational reminders were provided during the study period.
Sponsors
Cansu Yıldız
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The study was conducted as a single-blind randomized controlled trial. The statistician/outcome assessor was blinded to group allocation during data analysis. Participants and the investigator providing the intervention were not blinded.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 100 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18 years or older. * Having undergone liver transplantation. * Currently receiving immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation. * Ability to read and write in Turkish. * Ability to use a smartphone to receive and follow digital messages. * Willingness to participate voluntarily in the study. * Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Experiencing an acute rejection episode during the study period. * Presence of cognitive, psychiatric, or communication problems that would interfere with participation in the study. * Inability to regularly follow digital messages. * Difficulty reading and understanding Turkish. * Inability to maintain communication throughout the study period. * Refusal to participate in the study.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence | Baseline and 12 weeks | Immunosuppressive medication adherence was assessed using the Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence Scale used in this study. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Liver Disease Quality of Life Score (CLDQ 2.0) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Quality of life was assessed using the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ 2.0). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORCansu Yıldız
İzmir Tınaztepe University
Outcome results
None listed