Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for transplant recipients; developing a Patient and Public Involvement and engagement framework (PA-PPI)
Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for transplant recipients; developing a Patient and Public Involvement and engagement framework (PA-PPI)
Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for transplant recipients; developing a Patient and Public Involvement and engagement framework (PA-PPI)
This Open Societal Challenge aims to develop a patient and public involvement framework that supports transplant recipients in engaging with physical activity safely and sustainably. This project is not just about sports and being physically active; it's a deep dive into how physical activity impacts the well-being and long-term health of those who have received a transplant.
By focusing on stories and feedback from transplant recipients and their direct networks, the project "Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for transplant recipients; developing a Patient and Public Involvement and engagement framework (PA-PPI)" seeks to develop practical, empathetic solutions that not only address the physical aspects of post-transplant physical activity but also consider the emotional and psychological challenges of becoming and remaining physically active. By leveraging the insights of medical professionals, social care experts, and the people around transplant recipients, the project targets the creation of sustainable physical activity guidelines, fostering a significant improvement in transplant recipients' quality of life.
What is involved?
Focusing on transplant recipients from Milton Keynes in the UK and Brisbane in Australia, the project leverages personal experiences, social and medical support networks to understand the unique challenges and achievements of transplant recipients. By integrating patient and public involvement, social network analysis, and semi-structured interviews, the research team intends to craft a framework that not only benefits transplant recipients and their loved ones but can also be applied to individuals with other chronic health conditions. This patient-centred approach emphasizes empowerment, aiming to inspire confidence and motivation among transplant recipients to lead active, fulfilling lives.
We have been asked to conduct interviews with transplant recipients from Milton Keynes in the UK and Brisbane in Australia about their experiences. Your views will help us to improve the way information and services are provided to transplant recipients, medical professionals, coaches, and other interested parties.
Interviews will involve a researcher talking to you for 60-90 minutes. The interview will be audio recorded so that we can be sure that we correctly remember everything that you tell us. We will work around you to arrange a time convenient to you for this online interview. We will be conducting this research in June-September 2024. If you want to help, please contact our research team.
Kick-Off Events
We hosted 3 online kick-off event for transplant recipients in the UK and Australia. We shared finding from Study 1, provided details on our current study and asked attendees to share their opinions on the research aims and to reflect on what is important to them as transplant recipients in relation to being active post-transplant. A summary of all three events can be found here.
If you were unable to attend a kick-off event but still wish to participate in our research, you can leave your details here.
What is next?
By fostering a community of support and leveraging the insights from medical professionals, the project aspires to create a holistic model that addresses the multifaceted aspects of recovery and health maintenance. This includes not just the physical hurdles but also the emotional resilience required to navigate life post-transplant.
As the project moves forward, with kick-off events, data collection, and knowledge exchange events planned in both countries, the anticipation within the transplant community and beyond is palpable. This OSC is more than a research project; it's showcasing how patient and public involvement can lead to meaningful advancements in support and care. It represents a significant step forward in understanding and addressing the needs of transplant recipients, with the promise of far-reaching benefits for the wider community.
Useful documents UK participants
Useful documents Australian participants (coming soon)
Publications and Presentations
Martin, L., Rienties, B., & Duncan, E. (2024). What we can learn from cycling and triathlete transplant recipients? And how can I become more active?, TransplantWorld, 1, pp.24-25.
Rienties, B., Duncan, E., Judd, P., Oakley, B., Pengel, L., Roelen, K., & Topley, N. (2024). Barriers and facilitators to physical activity: a comparative analysis of transplant athletes competing in high intensity sporting events with other transplant recipients. PLOS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307095
Webinar: What we can learn from cycling and triathlete transplant recipients? And how can I become more active?, The World Transplant Games Federation, August 2024
Challenging misconceptions about transplant recipients' abilities. The Open University, 27 August 2024
Webinar: Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for transplant recipients; developing a Patient and Public Involvement and engagement framework (PA-PPI). CALRG conference. 5 July 2024.
This research project has been reviewed by, and received a favourable opinion from, The Open University Human Research Ethics Committee – HREC reference number: HREC/4787/Rienties