Does NIGHT-time dialysis improve quality of LIFE?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of thrice weekly, extended, in-centre nocturnal haemodialysis versus standard care using a mixed methods approach
IRAS ID
280452
Contact name
James Burton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN87042063
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Kidney dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for around 24,000 patients in the UK. Most patients have a set dialysis appointment time lasting 4 hours, 3 times per week, with travel time in addition. Nocturnal “in-centre” haemodialysis offers patients the opportunity to have their treatment overnight in a hospital or satellite dialysis clinic while they sleep.
Studies suggest that people who have their dialysis overnight may feel better and may be able to live a life which is closer to normal. As overnight dialysis (typically 6-8 hours) is a lengthier treatment, it rids the blood of more waste and excess water, acting more like a patient’s normal kidneys which would be working 24/7. Importantly, it frees up during the day to socialise, work and care for others.
This study asks the question whether 6-months of overnight dialysis, performed 3 times a week in a hospital or satellite centre, improves the quality of life of patients with kidney failure, as compared to those who have shorter dialysis sessions during the day. People who are suitable and consent to take part will be randomised to either daytime dialysis or nocturnal dialysis. Quality of life will be measured after 6-months of treatment using questionnaires that have been specifically designed for kidney patients. We will also collect information on the extra costs of night-time dialysis, to see whether the new treatment is more cost-effective than conventional dialysis care, for the person and the health service. Finally, we will evaluate the experiences of patients who are enrolled in the study to identify barriers to how the treatment would be rolled out across the NHS, if we were to find that it does benefit patients.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/WM/0275
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion