Affiliations 

  • 1 University of Malaya
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the preferred end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treatment because it pro-vides a better survival rate, quality of life as well as a cheaper alternative. However, Malaysia’s KT rates is consis-tently low considering that ESRD rates have been increasing exponentially. With only four hospitals performing KT, there’s a gap to indicate a lack of evaluation in KT system of Malaysia. Qualitative study was undertaken to explore and describe the barriers and solutions improve the rates and service of KT in Malaysia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews adopted as qualitative methodological approach to explore current KT policy and service in Malaysia be-tween March – May 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. Eight key-informants selected using stakeholder analysis and informed consent were obtained. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Barriers and solutions of Malaysia’s KT are the results of complex interplay of personal, cultural, and environmental factors that can be categorized and described using the five levels of influence conceptualized by the socio-ecological model (SEM). Guidance for developing culturally appropriate and sensitive interventional strategies was elicited from the key informants’ experiences to improve KT rate and services in Malaysia. Conclusion:Malaysia is experiencing very low rate of KT compared to other countries. The use of SEM provided a framework to foster a better understanding of current practice, barriers and solutions to KT in Malaysia. Implications of these find-ings could prompt policy change for better KT service delivery model. Further stakeholder engagement and evalua-tion is required to align best practices to improve KT rates and service in Malaysia that is comparable to high-income countries.