Introduction: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic transplant teams began restricting in-person patient (Pt) visits and clinical interactions. Many in-person appointments became virtual and Pts and caregivers (CG) had reduced opportunities to interact in-person with other Pts in hospital waiting rooms, clinic services, and hospital-based support groups. Our organization, an affiliate of the local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), is a healthcare hospitality house specializing in support of transplant families. In addition to lodging and other services, we develop education and support programs for transplant Pts and CGs.  Early in the pandemic we began to examine programs to address opportunities for providing uninterrupted supportive services to transplant families.

Method: In early 2020 we began to identify topics of interest for transplant Pts and CGs such as post-transplant medication, nutrition and diabetes, transplant-specific COVID updates, and mental health. All virtual education programs were presented by transplant professionals and experts. Programs were presented through an online webinar platform and registration was open for any transplant Pt, CG, or professional throughout the US and internationally at no expense.

Results: Between 2020-2021 we offered 25 virtual education programs with 2,237 participating devices (non-unique users), representing participants from 44 US states and 8 countries. Approximately 75% of registrants were transplant Pts, 15% transplant professionals, and 10% transplant CGs. An evaluation was provided to registrants following each program and 645 evaluations were completed (29%). The evaluation was comprised of Likert scale and qualitative questions. Participants provided a rating of the program from poor to excellent (1-5) and the average response rating was 4.48. The following questions were rated strongly disagree to strongly agree (1-4); the content was presented effectively with an average rating of 3.73, questions were answered satisfactorily with an average rating of 3.80, and new knowledge was gained with an average rating of 3.58. One responded, “As a long-time recipient, I am still eager to learn more not only to benefit me but to help others on their journey.” Another responded, “I appreciate this kind of contact with professionals that really care about our health…”

Conclusion: Many transplant Pts and CGs were reminded of the additional physical and social precautions necessary for their health and safety throughout COVID. Virtual education and support are vital for Pts and CGs to receive important information about their health as well as to enable development of support networks with others similarly situated. Based on the consistently high participation rates and evaluation results, it is reasonable to conclude that Pts and CGs find value in these programs and committing to the development and delivery of accessible, low-cost programs are important for Pts and their CGs throughout their journey.