Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a New Tool to Support Patient Decision-making on Transplant Centers.
McKinney, W. T., et al.Clinical Transplantation 2024; 38(12): e70043.
Aims
This randomised cross-over study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a newly developed transplant center search tool (transplantcentersearch.org) (TCST) to aid comprehension and decision-making among adults seeking kidney transplants regarding transplant programs that have experience transplanting patients like them, in comparision to the existing Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) website.
Interventions
Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: SRTR website first, Question 1 first; SRTR website first, Question 2 first; TCST first, Question 1 first; and TCST first, Question 2 first. Question 1 asked patients to “Identify which transplant program in a given area had the most experience transplanting recipients over the age of 70.” Question 2 asked patients to “Identify the program in a given area with the most experience transplanting patients with BMI >40”.
Participants
68 kidney transplant candidates.
Outcomes
The primary endpoint was a comparison of information comprehension of the TCST versus the SRTR website. Secondary endpoints were participant perception of the TCST versus the SRTR website, and decisional conflict.
Follow-up
N/A
CET Conclusions
This cross-over randomised trial from the US compares information provision from two patient-facing websites – transplantcentresearch.org (TCST) and the SRTR site. Participants were asked to find some key information from both sites, as well as provide qualitative feedback. Patients were more likely to identify correct information on the TCST site and expressed a preference for the TCST site. Clearly, these results are very specific to the US and may not generalise well, but they do show the possibility of carefully evaluating the quality of patient materials in a trial setting, enabling feedback and potential for iterative design change. Of particular note, in a pilot phase of the study patients were not able to navigate to the areas of the websites needed to answer the study questions without assistance, suggesting the need for further design improvements.
Data analysis
Per protocol analysis
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT03610555