Improving Access to Nephrology Treatment and Care Among Patients at Greatest Risk for Kidney Failure

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a kidney health coaching (KHC) intervention to help patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly focusing on those at greatest risk for kidney failure. The study aims to design and test new approaches that address systemic factors leading to kidney health disparities. This project involves community collaboration among researchers, kidney disease patients, and organizations to improve care and delay progression to kidney replacement therapy or death. The trial is a randomized controlled study with two groups: one receiving patient-centered kidney health coaching from full-time coaches who have lived experience with CKD, and the other receiving usual care as currently provided in emergency rooms, primary care, hospital discharge, or nephrology settings. The coaching includes regular telephone support, in-person meeting at clinic visits, use of electronic medical records for communication, and assistance with social determinants of health. The coaching intervention lasts six months, while the usual care group continues standard treatment. Participants will be involved for up to 12 months during which researchers will monitor their progress toward kidney replacement therapy with central venous catheter use and death. Assessments include interviews, symptom and quality of life questionnaires, health literacy, medical trust, anxiety, and depression scales, as well as tracking nephrology appointments and treatment knowledge. The study uses a triple-masked design to evaluate outcomes, and participants will undergo baseline and follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months throughout the trial.

Collaborative Learning to Achieve Refined Interventions for Emory: Kidney Disease