Developing Tools for Dialysis Decision Support

Developing Tools for Dialysis Decision Support

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a web-based dialysis decision support tool on decisional conflict, and values-treatment concordance and other decisional outcomes in individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease, and to assess the tool's acceptability and usability.

This study employs a pre-post design to assess the impact of a web-based dialysis decision support tool on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and their caregivers. Participants will complete baseline surveys assessing demographics, knowledge of kidney failure treatments, and decisional conflict during a nephrology clinic visit. Following the visit, participants will access the decision support tool, with follow-up support provided by the study coordinator. One to four weeks after the baseline visit, participants will complete follow-up surveys to re-evaluate knowledge, decisional conflict, values-treatment concordance, and the quality of shared decision-making. Additionally, telephone interviews will be conducted to explore participants' understanding of treatment options and gather feedback on the decision support tool.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age >=65
2. Estimated GFR <25 ml/min/1.73m2
3. English speaking
4. Not a candidate for kidney transplant based on nephrologist assessment.

Family/caregiver inclusion criteria:

1. age >=21
2. English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

a. Patients with cognitive impairment will be excluded; however their family member or caregiver is eligible to participate.