'The Catch-Up Group' – regional transplant recipients receiving education and social support in their local community.

Abstract

Introduction: The Ballarat Transplant Recipient Catch-Up Group was formed in March 2017 to provide local transplant recipients and their carers the opportunity to come together with others who know better than anyone the ups and downs of the transplant journey. It also provides a forum for information sharing with health professionals in a relaxed, informal group environment in their local area. Objectives: The idea for the group came from the recipients themselves, expressing the need for support and education closer to home. The ideas and themes for each catch-up are driven by the recipients and organised and coordinated by a local nurse specialist. The Catch-Up Group decreases the travel burden for regional transplant recipients who already go to the city for so much. Method: Topics already covered included skin care, medication guidance and nutrition. Local experts volunteer their time to provide the education and advice is always sought from metropolitan transplant services when required. Based on feedback from the recipients, future sessions will include emotional/mental health and well-being support as well a focus on carer and relationship support. Results: The Ballarat Transplant Recipient Catch-Up Group is the only group of its kind in Australia that is, a regional, community based group for transplant recipients and their carers that provides social support and education close to home. The feedback from all recipients who attend is overwhelmingly positive and they see it as a vital component of their ongoing well-being. Conclusion: The group continues to expand its membership and aims to carry on providing quality education, support and socialisation for transplant recipients within the local community.