Caregiver Perceptions of an Educational Animation for Mobilizing Social Support in Kidney Transplant Access: A Qualitative Study

Background: Animated video is promising to educate and empower caregiving and provide additional social support for kidney transplant (KT) access; yet, it has not been tested. Our clinical-research group developed a caregiver-directed educational animated video to complement an existing intervention currently being adapted to stimulate social network engagement in KT access. This qualitative study assessed the videos’ learning and sharing applicability to KT caregivers, as well as recommendations for improvement of the video and the transplant centers’ program to meet caregivers’ needs. Methods: Caregivers of KT-seekers (n = 17) and KT-recipients (n = 9) at a single center were individually interviewed after viewing the video remotely on their own device. Interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis with a deductive approach. Results: Five overarching themes emerged about the caregivers’ perceptions of the animated video: (1) clear and engaging, (2) a good overview of caregiving, (3) a way to refresh knowledge and show others how they can contribute to caregiving, (4) additional information needed, and (5) desired more transplant center communication and support. Conclusions: An animated video to promote caregiving in transplant access was well received as an entry point for education and is potentially applicable for sharing to mobilize additional social support.