Psychosocial situation, adherence, and utilization of video consultation in young adult long-term pediatric liver transplant recipients during COVID-19 pandemic

TY - JOUR

T1 - Psychosocial situation, adherence, and utilization of video consultation in young adult long-term pediatric liver transplant recipients during COVID-19 pandemic

AU - Kröncke, Sylvia

AU - Lund, Louisa Katharina

AU - Buchholz, Angela

AU - Lang, Melanie

AU - Briem-Richter, Andrea

AU - Grabhorn, Enke Freya

AU - Sterneck, Martina

N1 - © 2021 The Authors. Pediatric Transplantation published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

PY - 2021/12

Y1 - 2021/12

N2 - BACKGROUND: Young adults who underwent liver transplantation in childhood (YALTs) are highly vulnerable to non-adherent behavior and psychosocial problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, special efforts may be necessary to maintain contact with these patients and offer support. This can be achieved through the use of telemedicine. The study's objective was to assess adherence and the psychosocial situation of YALTs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and to evaluate the utilization of video consultations.METHODS: In May 2020, a questionnaire was sent to YALTs treated at the Hamburg University Transplant Center, accompanied by the offer of video appointments with the attending physician. The questionnaire included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire 2, and questions compiled by the authors.RESULTS: Of 98 YALTs, 12% used the video consultation, while 65% had an in-person appointment. The 56 patients who completed the questionnaire did not report reduced medication adherence during the pandemic, but 40% missed follow-up visits with their primary care physician or check-up laboratory tests. About 70% of YALTs were afraid to visit their physician and the transplant center, and 34% were afraid of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mental health and well-being were unimpaired.CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, YALTs in our study did not show an increased need for psychosocial support, but a majority were afraid to attend medical appointments, and 40% reported lower appointment adherence. Acceptance of video consultations was lower than expected. The reasons for this need to be further investigated in order to optimize care.

AB - BACKGROUND: Young adults who underwent liver transplantation in childhood (YALTs) are highly vulnerable to non-adherent behavior and psychosocial problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, special efforts may be necessary to maintain contact with these patients and offer support. This can be achieved through the use of telemedicine. The study's objective was to assess adherence and the psychosocial situation of YALTs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany and to evaluate the utilization of video consultations.METHODS: In May 2020, a questionnaire was sent to YALTs treated at the Hamburg University Transplant Center, accompanied by the offer of video appointments with the attending physician. The questionnaire included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire 2, and questions compiled by the authors.RESULTS: Of 98 YALTs, 12% used the video consultation, while 65% had an in-person appointment. The 56 patients who completed the questionnaire did not report reduced medication adherence during the pandemic, but 40% missed follow-up visits with their primary care physician or check-up laboratory tests. About 70% of YALTs were afraid to visit their physician and the transplant center, and 34% were afraid of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mental health and well-being were unimpaired.CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, YALTs in our study did not show an increased need for psychosocial support, but a majority were afraid to attend medical appointments, and 40% reported lower appointment adherence. Acceptance of video consultations was lower than expected. The reasons for this need to be further investigated in order to optimize care.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Adult

KW - COVID-19/epidemiology

KW - Germany

KW - Humans

KW - Liver Transplantation/psychology

KW - Male

KW - Medication Adherence

KW - Pandemics

KW - Patient Compliance

KW - SARS-CoV-2

KW - Surveys and Questionnaires

KW - Telemedicine

KW - Young Adult

U2 - 10.1111/petr.14121

DO - 10.1111/petr.14121

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 34428322

VL - 25

SP - e14121

JO - PEDIATR TRANSPLANT

JF - PEDIATR TRANSPLANT

SN - 1397-3142

IS - 8

ER -