FLEX-HD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding Frailty, Falls and the Role of Exercise in Haemodialysis Patients: A Qualitative Study (FLEX-HD)
IRAS ID
216539
Contact name
Hannah Young
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Frailty describes a set of conditions which make patients vulnerable to sudden changes in health. Frailty begins earlier and progresses quicker in haemodialysis (HD) patients. This is due to both to a number of traditional factors (e.g. muscle wasting) very common in this population and to unique factors associated with end stage kidney disease (e.g. high levels of physical inactivity). Outcomes for frail HD patients are very poor - they are approximately five times more likely to fall than healthy older adults and more likely to break a bone as a result. Frailty and falls are also associated with reduced quality of life, loss of independence and increased use of health services.\nInterventions to address frailty and falls in HD patients have received little research attention. Exercise interventions benefit other patients who are frail or fall, but haven’t been tested in HD patients. Studies into exercise training for HD patients are urgently needed, as well as a detailed understanding of patients’ experiences of frailty and falls from their own perspectives. \nIn this study we will explore the experiences of HD patients who fall and may be frail, their perceptions of a specific exercise intervention to address frailty and falls and whether patients would be prepared to take part in a bigger study. We will ask these patients to take part in a two interviews and to also keep a diary about their thoughts and experiences for one to three months, depending upon patient preference. \nThe results of this study will help us to understand the experiences of frail, falling HD patients, and identify areas where their existing hospital care could be improved and will also be used to develop a specific intervention to address falls and frailty in HD patients for testing within five years.\n\n
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0048
Date of REC Opinion
20 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion