Beulaville

Researchers are evaluating the CommunityRx-Kidney Health (CRx-K) intervention to improve management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in rural eastern North Carolina. CKD affects about one in seven adults in the U.S. and tends to worsen over time, leading to kidney failure. Rural communities face challenges like limited healthcare access and resources, which negatively impact CKD outcomes. This trial aims to strengthen rural care networks and enhance well-being by integrating medical, social, and self-care supports for people with CKD stages 1 to 4. The study compares participants receiving CRx-K with those receiving usual care. CRx-K is a low-intensity, evidence-based, health information technology-driven program that includes brief education about CKD needs, a personalized community resource referral list called HealtheRx, and ongoing support led by clinic navigators for 12 months. The intervention integrates resources for medical monitoring (such as blood pressure and glucose checks), social needs (like food, housing, and transportation), and self-care (including weight, stress management, and exercise). Participants will be followed for 12 months during which researchers will track acute healthcare use as the primary outcome. Additional assessments include self-efficacy in finding resources, knowledge and use of integrated care resources, number of unmet needs, ambulatory care visits, and quality of life measures. The study is conducted in 35 rural primary care clinics across 16 counties and involves adults diagnosed with CKD. Safety and effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated through these measures over the study period.