EXPLORING DEPRESSION AMONGST KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

SUMMARY Background Despite the benefits of receiving a donor kidney, there is evidence of persistent depression amongst the transplant population. Healthcare professionals should endeavour to put in place strategies for the prevention, identification and management of depression. Objectives To critically examine recent research concerning the prevalence, detection and impact of depression amongst kidney transplant recipients, leading to recommendations for practice improvement. Design The 'matrix method' was used to identify and review relevant literature. An online search was performed using three electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE® and Web of Science. The search limits were that the papers reported the findings of primary research studies, published in English in a peer-reviewed journal; involved adult participants and were published between 2000 and 2015. Following critical appraisal of the included studies, a review matrix was produced that identified four emerging themes. Results The review confirmed that kidney transplant recipients experience less depression than those who receive other renal replacement therapies. However, depressive illness is still more common amongst kidney transplant recipients than the general population. There are many risk factors for depression and there is evidence of an association between depression and mortality in the transplant population. Routine screening for depression is highly recommended yet rarely seen in practice. Conclusion Increasing awareness and educating healthcare professionals about depression amongst kidney transplant recipients is essential to allow for earlier identification and treatment. Screening could provide earlier detection of depression and allow for higher social and psychological support for these patients. Further intervention studies and longitudinal assessments would enhance the understanding of the development and effective management of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]