Post AKI self-management and social network support
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the self-management support needs of people in the 6 months after an episode of acute kidney injury, and what is the role of the formal and informal network in addressing these needs?
IRAS ID
342844
Contact name
Becky Bonfield
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 7 days
Research summary
AKI is often a complication of an acute illness but can be related to medications or something happening to a person kidneys. It often happens when a person’s kidneys do not get what they need to work properly. Around 500,000 people have AKI per year. About 70% (350,000) of these occur during a period of hospital admission. AKI can cause serious harm to people and can have serious long-term side effects such as developing chronic kidney disease or having more AKI episodes. When adults with AKI leave hospital, they need following-up to ensure their kidneys recover and to try to prevent the risk of any long-term damage. People need to self-manage between these appointments. Some people have to manage their kidney health themselves once they are discharged from hospital. Many people who have an AKI have other conditions, which can mean they have other health concerns to deal with. Understanding what networks of support patients access following their hospital discharge is vital in providing follow-up, that assists patients in self-managing their health and wellbeing.
This study has been designed to investigate what the support network is for patients after they have had an AKI, and what impact this has on them being able to self-manage their kidney health. It will involve the development of a questionnaire that will review patients’ support networks, their health priorities, and the impact that AKI has had on their quality of life. It will also include interviews with patients and key members of their support networks to allow the development of an understanding, not only what support patients need or use, but also to understand the impact on those providing support. This will lead to the development of resources to support patients and their social network after an episode of acute kidney injury in hospital.REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0780
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion