A Longitudinal Investigation of Symptom Burden in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) [The CKD-INSIGHT study]

About the Project

Background

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition (LTC) with significant global health implications, affecting millions of people worldwide [1]. Patients with CKD often experience a high symptom burden, which negatively impacts their health-related quality of life (HRQL) and increases mortality risk [1]. Despite the importance of symptom management in CKD, there is limited longitudinal data on the progression of symptom burden over time.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools for capturing symptom data directly from patients [2]. These measures can provide insights into the patient's perspective on their symptoms and overall well-being [3]. However, there is a need for comprehensive, longitudinal studies to better understand the trajectory of symptom burden in CKD patients and identify key intervention points [4].

This PhD project aims to conduct a longitudinal study tracking symptom burden in CKD patients over time, using PROMs to collect data. The findings will contribute to the development of targeted interventions to improve symptom management and patient outcomes in CKD.

Research Aim

To conduct a longitudinal study tracking symptom burden in CKD patients over time, using PROMs to collect data and identify key intervention points for improving symptom management and patient outcomes.

Proposed Methodology

• Study Design: Longitudinal observational study.
• Participants: Patients with CKD recruited from collaborating NHS sites.
• Data Collection: PROMs will be administered at baseline and at regular intervals (e.g., every 6 months) to capture data on symptom burden, HRQL, and other relevant outcomes.
• Analysis: Longitudinal data analysis techniques will be used to track changes in symptom burden over time and identify patterns and predictors of symptom progression.
• Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval will be sought from relevant ethics committees, and informed consent will be obtained from all participants.

Impact

The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the progression of symptom burden in CKD patients. This knowledge will inform the development of targeted interventions to improve symptom management and patient outcomes. Additionally, the study will contribute to the evidence base for the use of PROMs in CKD care and support the integration of patient-reported data into routine clinical practice.

Supervisory Team

• Director of Studies: Dr Kostas Papadopoulos Head of Department-Allied Health, Principal Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Deputy lead LWLTC research group, School of Health and Wellbeing.
• Supervisors: Prof. Derek Kyte
• Research Group: Living Well with Long-Term Conditions Research Group