UNITE-KSC for Haemodialysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the illness trajectory in Haemodialysis: A Mixed-Methods longitudinal study of person-centred outcomes and recipients’ perceptions of the role of kidney care services to inform the quality of Kidney Supportive Care.
IRAS ID
366479
Contact name
Emma Murphy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Coventry University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an emerging health problem worldwide, while in the UK, it is estimated that there will be approximately 3.9 million people with advanced stages (Stages 3-5) of CKD by 2033. The people living with the most advanced form of CKD (Stage 5), referred to as ‘kidney failure’, may require kidney replacement therapy (either dialysis or kidney transplantation) or conservative kidney management as treatment options.
Although haemodialysis is the most common treatment for these patients, it is not proven beneficial in terms of improved outcomes for all, particularly those of advanced age with poorer function and greater comorbidity, for whom transplantation is often not a viable option. Many of these patients tend to deteriorate despite dialysis. These individuals may experience complex physical, psycho-social and existential needs that require palliative care support, known as ‘Kidney Supportive Care (KSC)’, to improve their quality of life.
The present study aims to produce evidence-based guidelines to improve the quality of KSC for adults (over 18 years) receiving haemodialysis by understanding changes in symptoms, quality of life, and functional status over 12 months.
An initial survey of symptoms will be conducted among 422 individuals receiving haemodialysis at the central dialysis unit of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW). A total of 45-60 individuals from this initial survey will be invited to participate in a follow-up study over 12 months and will be given a brief questionnaire to collect monthly information on their experience of symptoms, quality of life, and functional status. Further,12-20 individuals will be invited to share their stories in three interviews (at baseline,6,12 months).These will explore patients’ experience behind changing patterns of symptoms, functional status and quality of life and their perceptions on the involvement of kidney care services to address health and quality of life concerns.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0386
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion