Exploring the Lived Experience of People with Coexisting Type 1 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

About the Project

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two long-term conditions that often intersect, creating complex physical, psychological, and social challenges. Individuals managing both conditions face unique burdens, including intensive self-management, frequent healthcare interactions, and heightened risk of complications. Despite these challenges, there is limited research exploring how people experience living with both T1D and CKD, and how healthcare systems support (or fail to support) their needs.

This PhD will address this gap by generating rich, in-depth insights into the lived experience of individuals with coexisting T1D and CKD. The findings will inform recommendations for integrated care pathways and psychosocial support interventions, contributing to improved patient-centred care.

Aims & Objectives

The successful applicant will develop a programme of research to:

• Explore the lived experience of individuals managing both T1D and CKD.
• Identify psychosocial, behavioural, and systemic factors influencing selfmanagement and wellbeing.
• Examine how healthcare services address (or fail to address) the intersection of these conditions.
• Generate evidence-based recommendations for integrated care and support strategies.

Research Questions

1. How do individuals perceive and navigate the challenges of living with both T1D and CKD?
2. What coping strategies and support systems are most valued by this population?
3. How do healthcare interactions shape experiences of care and self-management?
4. What are the unmet needs and priorities for improving quality of life in this group?

Indicative Methodology

• Phase 1: Scoping Review - Conduct a systematic scoping review of existing literature on the psychosocial impact of coexisting T1D and CKD.
• Phase 2: Qualitative Interviews - Use semi-structured interviews with adults living with both conditions. Recruitment will involve NHS renal and diabetes clinics and patient organisations (e.g., Breakthrough T1D). Interviews will explore identity, daily challenges, emotional and physical wellbeing, and healthcare experiences.
• Phase 3: Co-development of Patient-Centred Guidelines - Findings from phase 1 and 2 will be used in collaborative workshops with patients, clinicians, and key stakeholders to co-develop patient-centred guidelines for integrated care and psychosocial support. These guidelines will aim to address the unique challenges faced by individuals living with both Type 1 diabetes and CKD, ensuring recommendations are practical, evidence-based, and aligned with patient priorities.

Expected Impact

• Advance understanding of multimorbidity experiences in long-term conditions.
• Inform integrated care pathways for T1D and CKD.
• Support development of patient-centred guidelines and psychosocial interventions.

Supervisory Team

• Director of Studies: Professor Derek Kyte, Professor of Physiotherapy, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Worcester.
• Supervisors: Dr Emma Richardson, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, UK. Dr Emma Innes, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Worcester, UK.
• External Advisor: TBC - Chris Bright, Community Partnerships and Events Lead, Breakthrough T1D
• Research Group: Living with Long-Term Conditions Research Group

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to: https://www.worc.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/applying-for-a-phd/.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.