Improving the experiences of starting dialysis.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To investigate what could have improved patients’ experiences of starting dialysis.
IRAS ID
243651
Contact name
Carol Coole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
End stage kidney failure is the result of progressive disease of the kidneys which leads to irreversible loss of kidney function. When the kidneys are deemed to be unable to support life then renal replacement therapy (RRT) is required. Clinical guidelines show that RRT can have considerable consequences for the patient and their families as it introduces major long-term lifestyle changes. People with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) may suffer from several side effects and complications including anaemia, hypertension, oedema, acidosis, lassitude, fatigue and decreased appetite which can affect their everyday functioning, making usual/necessary tasks more difficult. Patients can also have difficulty in accepting or adjusting to living with ESKD, especially when starting dialysis, as they face a considerable lifestyle change. There is limited evidence of patients’ views about what might improve their everyday lives, especially when starting dialysis, what help, support or advice they feel would be beneficial and a priority to them, and who might provide this. This study will investigate the difficulties perceived by this population in their everyday life routines when starting dialysis, what they feel could have improved their experience and the expectations they have of different healthcare professionals in this. Ten participants will be recruited from the dialysis unit at Royal Derby Hospital using a sample selected by gender, age, ethnicity and living status to create a diverse study population. Eligible patients will have a diagnosis of End Stage Kidney Disease, be over 18yrs old and receiving Renal Replacement Therapy for between one and five years duration. It will be a qualitative study using individual interviews. The time from recruitment to interview is expected to be less than three weeks and each interview will last approximately 30 mins.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0133
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion