Organ transplant aftercare and support in Scotland Transplant patient survey report

8. Remote monitoring systems

Transplant patients need to be monitored regularly, including blood tests to check on how their new organ is working and the level of immunosuppressant medication.

This section explores patients’ experiences and preferences in relation to post-transplant monitoring.

8.1 Transplant related blood tests

Are you able to have blood tests taken locally?

Yes 83%

No 7%

If you answered yes, where would you normally get your blood tests taken?

GP 54%

Community hub 11%

Local specialist centre/local hospital 31%

Is there any other place you would go to get your blood tests taken?

From the 54 comments received, most reported that they had blood tests performed at a hospital, but a few were visited at home by a district nurse. Some commented on having difficulty accessing GPs and that their GP refused, or made it difficult, to have blood tests taken for transplant-related tests, especially if the transplant service was ‘out of area’ (in other words in a different Health Board from where they lived). In general, those recipients living in rural and island communities were well served locally and most of the patients having difficulty accessing local phlebotomy services lived in more urban areas.

8.2 Remote monitoring

Do you use any remote monitoring systems (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate spirometry)?

Yes 31%

No 61%

8.3 Remote monitoring systems used by respondents

One hundred and sixty one comments were received. Most respondents used some form of blood pressure monitoring device and others used devices to monitor their blood sugar, heart rate, weight and temperature. A few used smart apps and wearable devices to monitor health information