Prepare for Kidney Care

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Prepare for Kidney Care: a randomised controlled trial of preparing for responsive management vs preparing for renal dialysis in advanced chronic kidney disease

  • IRAS ID

    215616

  • Contact name

    Fergus Caskey

  • Contact email

    mdfjc@bristol.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    North Bristol NHS Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    4 years, 11 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    When kidney function drops to 15% of normal, symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite and sickness usually develop. At this stage, dialysis or kidney transplantation is considered. Dialysis involves visiting the hospital for 4 hours of treatment 3 times a week, or flushing fluid in and out of your system through your abdomen 4 times a day every day at home. There is evidence that some older people with many medical problems (co-morbidities) do just as well with conservative care as dialysis, but more evidence is needed to help patients and their families make the best decision.

    The PrepareME Trial aims to provide far better evidence to help patients and their families reach the best decision for them and influence NHS policy on care for this group of patients.

    Method: The Trial planned will involve people with kidney failure aged 80+ and those aged 65+ with multiple health problems. If they agree to take part, they will be randomised to receive:
    • Either, prepare for conservative care. This will involve home visits with a nurse to assess their care needs and their priorities during conservative care. The nurse will call the patient at home regularly to monitor symptoms and check that sufficient help is available. There will be regular check-ups with the nurse at home and in hospital visits. Hospital visits will be less frequent than in people preparing for dialysis.
    • Or, prepare for dialysis. This will involve coming to hospital clinic visits regularly as currently occurs. Surgery to prepare for dialysis will take place. Dialysis will be started when the doctor, nurse and patient agree it is needed. There will be regular visits to hospital for treatment or check ups.

  • REC name

    South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/SC/0070

  • Date of REC Opinion

    5 May 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion