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28
TH
CONGRESS OF THE ESPU
10:20–10:30
S4-4 (LO)
PIVOTAL ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATION (PR) IN PEDIATRIC
RENAL TRANSPLANT: COMPREHENSIVE COUNSELLING
AND LEGAL SUPPORT
Neeraj DIXIT
1
, Rajendra NERLI
2
, Shridhar GHAGANE
3
, Prasad MAGDUM
3
,
Amey PATHADE
3
, Shivagouda PATIL
3
and Parveen DONKAR
3
1) KLES Kidney Foundation, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC., Department of Urology, Belagavi, INDIA -
2) KLE Kidney Foundation, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre., Department of Urology,
Belagavi, INDIA - 3) KLE Kidney Foundation, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital & Medical Research Centre,
Department of Urology, Belagavi, INDIA
PURPOSE
The intervention of public relations in transplant programs is an emerging field and varies across the
country from centre to centre. The aim of this study is to explore the role of public relation to counsel
the families and patient who require a pediatric renal transplantation, discuss the legal procedure
and regulatory aspects of transplant programs.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We present a case of pediatric renal transplant at our centre. In July 2015, the child presented with
end-stage renal disease. Unfortunately the patient’s parents were not enthusiastic to undergo renal
transplant due to psychological depression, heavy cost expenses and legal formalities. The public
relations counselling overcame the hindrance in clinical decision making of patient and parents for
renal transplant.
RESULTS
The pre-transplant legal, ethical, psychological and other clinical formalities were completed. The
child’s mother turned out to be the live donor and live related pre-emptive transplant was performed
successfully in early 2016. The child and his mother were discharged from the hospital within
a fortnight and are on regular follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Intervention of public relations into practice is discussed as a model for providing care throughout
the process of renal transplantation. Public relations experts are in a unique position to expand the
care for pediatric kidney transplant patients by assuming the role of clinician, educator, administra-
tor, and coordinator.