For kidney patients awaiting transplantation, being in the best possible health at the time of their operation is crucial. However, due to their condition, many patients have reduced physical and mental wellbeing, which can significantly prolong their recovery. Prehabilitation may offer a solution by ensuring these patients enter surgery in optimal condition.
“In the PreCareTx study, we offer kidney transplant candidates a prehabilitation program tailored to their needs and possibilities,” explains Annema. “This enables them to take an active role in their own preparation.” This programme includes physical exercises, nutritional adjustments, and stress reduction techniques. Since 2021, Annema and her colleagues have been researching the effects of prehabilitation through the ‘PREhabilitation of CAndidates for REnal Transplantation’ (PreCareTx) project.
Through prehabilitation, kidney patients can improve their health and quality of life while waiting for a transplant. Additionally, prehabilitation may accelerate their post surgery recovery. “We see that patients benefit from their prehabilitation programme and are highly motivated to follow it,” says Annema. However, challenges remain. Some patients experience setbacks during the process. For example, some become sicker, experience worsening kidney function, or need to start dialysis, making it necessary to lower the intensity or adapt the program.
The PreCareTx project has already yielded important findings. Through a context analysis, Annema and her colleagues examined the challenges faced by kidney transplant candidates, how care is currently structured, and what factors should be considered when developing and implementing a prehabilitation programme. “Patients expressed a preference for completing their programme in their own home environment,” Annema adds. “They also wanted a personalised approach and guidance from someone who could motivate and support them.” Based on these insights, the research team developed a prehabilitation programme, which is now being tested in a clinical setting.
The PreCareTx project is nearing its final phase. Once completed, Annema hopes to continue advancing prehabilitation research. “We want to explore the possibility of nationwide implementation,” Annema explains. “By expanding prehabilitation, we can identify areas for further improvement and optimise the programme.”
