Dataset Information

'It's the empathy'-defining a role for peer support among people living with chronic kidney disease: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Persons with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) have unique support needs associated with managing a chronic yet often silent condition, complex treatment-related decisions and care transitions. The aim of this study was to explore perspectives on how peer support could address CKD support needs and augment care.

Design

This study employed a qualitative descriptive methodology. Data were collected through focus groups (cofacilitated by patient partners) and semistructured interviews.

Setting

Four multidisciplinary CKD clinics across Southern Alberta, Canada.

Participants

We purposively sampled among adult patients with advanced, non-dialysis CKD and their caregivers, as well as trained peer mentors from The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Kidney Connect programme.

Analysis

Transcripts were coded in duplicate, and themes were generated inductively through a thematic analysis approach.

Results

We conducted seven focus groups with a total of 39 patient and caregiver participants. Seven patients and caregivers who were unable to attend a focus group and 13 peer mentors participated in a telephone interview. Although patients and caregivers had limited awareness of peer support, participants acknowledged its central role in affirming their experiences and enabling confidence to live well with kidney disease. We identified four themes related to the anticipated role of peer support in addressing support needs for people with non-dialysis CKD: (1) creating connection; (2) preparing for uncertainty; (3) adapting to new realities; and (4) responsive peer support delivery. Aligning peer support access with patient readiness and existing CKD management supports can promote optimism, community and pragmatic adaptations to challenges.

Conclusions

Patients, caregivers and peer mentors highlighted a unique value in the shared experiences of CKD peers to anticipate and manage disease-related challenges and confidently face a future living with kidney disease.

SUBMITTER: Elliott MJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9109100 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

'It's the empathy'-defining a role for peer support among people living with chronic kidney disease: a qualitative study.

Elliott Meghan J MJ Love Shannan S Fox Danielle E DE Verdin Nancy N Donald Maoliosa M Manns Kate K Cunningham David D Goth Jill J Hemmelgarn Brenda R BR

BMJ open 20220512 5

<h4>Objectives</h4>Persons with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) have unique support needs associated with managing a chronic yet often silent condition, complex treatment-related decisions and care transitions. The aim of this study was to explore perspectives on how peer support could address CKD support needs and augment care.<h4>Design</h4>This study employed a qualitative descriptive methodology. Data were collected through focus groups (cofacilitated by patient partners) and semistruc ...[more]

PMID: 35551080

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Dataset Information

'It's the empathy'-defining a role for peer support among people living with chronic kidney disease: a qualitative study.

Objectives

Design

Setting

Participants

Analysis

Results

Conclusions

Publications

'It's the empathy'-defining a role for peer support among people living with chronic kidney disease: a qualitative study.

Similar Datasets

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