Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Live Donor Kidney Transplantation: Priorities for Research and Intervention

SummaryOne potential mechanism for reducing racial/ethnic disparities in the receipt of kidney transplants is to enhance minorities' pursuit of living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). Pursuit of LDKT is influenced by patients' personal values, their extended social networks, the health care system, and the community at large. This review discusses research and interventions promoting LDKT, especially for minorities, including improving education for patients, donors, and providers, using LDKT kidneys more efficiently, and reducing surgical and financial barriers to transplant. Future directions to increase awareness of LDKT for more racial/ethnic minorities also are discussed including developing culturally tailored transplant education, clarifying transplant-eligibility practice guidelines, strengthening partnerships between community kidney providers and transplant centers, and conducting general media campaigns and community outreach.