Optimising shared decision making in vascular access for haemodialysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising shared decision making in vascular access for haemodialysis: co-design and field evaluation of a digital decision support prototype in vascular access care
IRAS ID
348869
Contact name
Karen Stevenson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
Decision making in vascular access is challenging for both clinicians and patients with kidney failure. Initial decisions made in vascular access (VA) care will significantly influence the experience of patients with kidney failure, as well as the complexity and volume of healthcare resource required to provide it. Current approaches to how we share information related to these decisions are not effective in promoting shared decision making. Previous research has demonstrated that current models of VA care do not effectively support patients in developing an understanding of their VA options or longer term situation. The aim of this research is to transform how we approach and deliver vascular access care. This will be by ensuring that shared decision making is a consistent central principle of care delivery, important both at the start of requiring vascular access for haemodialysis, and at any subsequent time point in a patient’s dialysis journey when their care is altered. To effectively do so, we must advance our understanding of the current decision making work and the needs of both patients and clinicians in VA for haemodialysis before co-designing and testing a digital decision support resource. This is aimed at improving the quality and experience of shared decision making.
This mixed methods research will involve directly observing the clinic appointment patients are referred to, in order to discuss their VA options. Following written consent from patients, the clinic encounter will be audio recorded and the extent of shared decision making measured. Questionnaires immediately post encounter and 3 months following the clinic appointment, will be carried out. This will assess the satisfaction with the decision making process as well as decision required and VA specific patient reported outcome measures. Additionally, interviews and focus groups at 3 months post encounter will be audio recorded and analysed.REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
25/WS/0156
Date of REC Opinion
5 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion