Abstract: FR-PO1039
Trainee Awareness of Transplant Barriers for Undocumented Immigrants
Session Information
- Social, Environmental, and Economic Determinants of Kidney Health
October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Rizzolo, Katherine M., Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Bavi, Santhoshi Rupa, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Pivert, Kurtis Andre, American Society of Nephrology, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Cervantes, Lilia, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
Background
Undocumented immigrants face no regulatory barriers to receive a transplant based on immigration status; the primary barrier is lack of affordable insurance. Our objective was to evaluate nephrology trainee knowledge of eligibility and barriers to kidney transplants for undocumented immigrants and understand their referral practices for this population.
Methods
We analyzed deidentified responses from 450 fellows completing our 8-question instrument in ASN's 2023 survey of US nephrology fellows. Data were summarized as mean ± SD (continuous variables) or counts/percentages/frequency distributions (categorical).
Results
Results are summarized in Table 1.55.5% of participants identified as male, with a mean age of 33.9 years (SD 4.2 years), 88.8% were in adult programs. 54.8% reported treating undocumented immigrants in their nephrology clinic, yet the minority of respondents correctly identified that undocumented people are eligible for living donor (39.1%) and deceased donor transplantation (31.7%). 44.6% were unsure of what insurance was available to undocumented people. The highest rated barriers to transplant were lack of insurance (56.8%) and financial support (52.6%).
Conclusion
This research demonstrates a gap in nephrology trainee knowledge of undocumented immigrants’ eligibility and barriers to kidney transplantation. As nephrology trainees often work in health safety net settings where undocumented people seek care, building clinician awareness and knowledge is critical for health equity in transplant care for undocumented individuals. This work may inform future initiatives to include the care of immigrant populations in nephrology trainee education and strengthen health equity efforts.
Funding
- NIDDK Support