Understanding the experiences of patients living with stage IV CKD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are patients’ experiences and understanding of living with advancing stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease, approaching End Stage Renal Disease intervention.
IRAS ID
237049
Contact name
Caroline Wearn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition, classified as any person having kidney damage for 3+ months. Kidney function is measured through estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR).
Patients reaching an eGFR of 15-29 mL/min/1.73m2 (stage IV) are referred to the hospital to be seen for monitoring of their disease. This involves a review of any signs and symptoms, blood pressure control, medication review and surveillance of blood / urine tests within the confines of a general nephrology clinic every 3 – 4 months.
Those who have a eGFR of <15 mL/min/1.73m2 have reached stage V CKD. Here patients are transferred from the general nephrology clinic to low clearance clinic, where more regular review ensues, with the added input from low-clearance nurses to provide additional specialist knowledge. Together, consultations consider the best course of intervention for each individual comprising of kidney transplantation or one of two types of dialysis: peritoneal or haemodialysis.
Some patients transferring between the two are often surprised and alarmed when informed of their kidneys deterioration. Despite the acknowledgment that they have kidney damage, some appear to often feel that intervention is a future requirement but never imminent. Therefore the psychological impact this has on patients whose realisation that renal intervention is looming is considerable.
This research proposes to conduct a single semi-structured interview on between 8 - 15 patients to ascertain
1. What knowledge and understanding do patients with stage IV CKD possess about their disease?
2. Where they currently obtain support and education
3. What is their interpretation of the future ahead?
4. Do they feel healthcare professionals could provide additional support/education leading up to stage V?The overarching aim: is to ascertain if we can improve the patient journey through these renal clinics.
Patients will be recruited from Hull Royal Infirmary: low clearance clinic.
This research is part of a Masters in Research project.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0670
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion