The Best Kidney Transplant Centers: The Facts Or Doctor Knows Best?
In my work with patients and families who are considering a kidney transplant
, I have found that people have a common goal: Get the best care by going to the best kidney transplant center. However, they go about this goal in different ways. Some patients "want the facts to make decisions" while others think that their "doctor knows best". They are the fact finders and the comfort seekers. Patients of course do not neatly fall in one category or the other. It is more a matter of preference and where you mostly lean toward in these two ends of the spectrum. Where do you lean in your way of making this life saving decision? How can you use your own way most effectively to find the best kidney transplant center for you or the one you love?The facts
These fact-finder patients look for expertise in their doctors. Once they learn they need a kidney transplant, they search to find that expertise in the transplant center. They look on Google for specific information on transplant success rates rather than just general information on what this procedure is about. They also search for their center alternatives, their success and their experience. Some even go as far as looking for the top kidney transplant centers in the country and those who can afford it, are willing to travel there. They also look for patients who have gone to the centers with best results to learn about those patients' experience. If they have doctors they trust, they discuss their center options with them and even seek second and third opinions.
Doctor knows best
These patients look for their doctors to take care of them. They are the comfort seekers. They expect their doctor to point them to the next steps and the best kidney transplant center. They rely on what they have heard about their center and are likely to go to centers with a name they recognize. Their anxiety level is somewhat higher than patients who look for the facts. They shared that they "like to be taken by the hand". Some also worry about saying anything to their doctor that could be perceived as challenging their opinion.
Which type are you?
If you can identify more with the fact finder patients I have met, you probably feel frustrated with the lack of information on the specifics you are looking for. You can benefit from searching the web with targeted keywords such as "kidney transplant centers", "best kidney transplant centers", "kidney transplant success rates" and "kidney transplant centers waiting list". Also, look for objective sites that are funded by reputable sources and do medical research behind their facts. Do not go for sites that just report raw, unprocessed numbers from government databases. If you are this type of patient you can also benefit from keeping track of your research and facts and discussing with them with your doctor. Your doctor can give you deeper insights into what the facts mean for you given your own health condition.
If you are leaning more towards the comfort seeker, think about "trust but verify". Asking your doctor questions on some facts does not mean that you question his/ her authority. On the contrary! It's your way to show your doctor that you can be actively involved in your care and then he/ she is more likely to move forward with your transplant faster. Also, keep in mind that your knowledge of this life saving procedure and level of interest in the details of your care is a critical factor your center considers when they evaluate you. You are more likely to get on their transplant list if you are knowledgeable and can ask good questions.
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