Psychological flexibility and outcomes in dialysis patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining the role of psychological flexibility in psychological and behavioural outcomes in haemodialysis patients.
IRAS ID
223039
Contact name
Joseph Chilcot
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Kidney failure and its treatment are challenging resulting in reduced quality of life for many dialysis patients. Given the nature of kidney failure and dialysis therapy, depression and pain symptoms are very common and these impact upon individuals’ well-being and functioning. Not only are patients required to attend for dialysis, they also need to dramatically restrict aspects of their diet and take multiple medications to manage their condition. Treatment is therefore complex and burdensome, and many patients struggle to adhere to these strict treatment regimens. If we are to help improve these processes of treatment, it is important to understand how psychological factors play a role, to support dialysis patients, improve their participation in care, and achieve better overall results.
One important psychological model that could help guide further study of pain, depression and treatment management (adherence) among kidney patients is called psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility refers to the capacity to persist or change behaviour in a way that keeps the behaviour focused on positive goals and is attuned to what situations afford. It has been defined as how a person: (a) refrains from unhelpful avoidance, (b) remains aware and sensitive to their behaviour and the consequences that can be achieved, (c) persists with behaviour patterns that reflect their values, or what they want to achieve and how they want to achieve it.We plan to study the role of psychological flexibility in relation to psychological and behavioural outcomes. The study will evaluate dimensions of psychological flexibility in established Haemodialysis patients to see whether they are associated with pain, mood and treatment non-adherence. The study will use a cross-sectional questionnaire design using validated measures. Clinical data will also be collected and used to determine treatment adherence over a 1 month period.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0066
Date of REC Opinion
1 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion