Completion Date
Spring 2-20-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Program or Discipline Name
Project Management
First Advisor
Dr. Tedd Wheeler
Abstract
Kidney transplant candidates frequently experience prolonged inactive waitlist status due to incomplete readiness requirements, yet limited understanding exists regarding how patient barriers and team interactions intersect to influence activation timelines. This transcendental-phenomenological study explored how patient barriers and team dynamics contribute to delays in kidney transplant readiness, guided by Team Theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants (8 patients, 8 healthcare professionals) between December 2025 and February 2026. Data were analyzed using systematic phenomenological methods to identify patterns that address patient barriers, team interaction effects, and the teamwork improvements needed for earlier activation. Five interconnected themes emerged: Navigating a Complex and Fragmented Readiness System, Communication Breakdowns Within the Transplant Team, Psychosocial and Resource-Based Vulnerabilities, Missed Opportunities for Team-Driven Empowerment, and Workflow Bottlenecks and Lack of Task Ownership. Financial complexity, medical evaluation bottlenecks, and psychosocial factors manifested as coordination failures. Both patient and professional perspectives converged on solutions including patient navigators, standardized pathways, and clear role definitions. Findings demonstrate that transplant readiness delays are preventable coordination failures rather than inevitable medical complexity. The study extends the application of Team Theory to sustained care coordination and provides actionable frameworks for improving transplant equity through system redesign.
Recommended Citation
Eguzoikpe, J. I. (2026). From Waitlist to Activation: Exploring Patient Barriers and Team Interactions in Kidney Transplant Readiness. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/87
Thesis Approval
Digital_Commons_Submission_Agreement.pdf (85 kB)
Submission Agreement