Engaging Students in a Dialysis Unit: A Pilot Study

Seeking to provide early paediatric nephrology exposure to medical students in the United States, we implemented the Kids In Dialysis, Nephrology Exposure and Education (KIDNEE) club. This club served as an educational intervention in which preclinical medical students were paired with paediatric dialysis patients, as patient buddies.

Students were recruited for involvement in the club through the medical school Paediatric Interest Group. For the 2022-2023 academic year, seven first-year students were paired with seven paediatric dialysis patients. Students met with their patient match weekly to play games, watch movies and to act as a friend.

The evaluation aimed at assessing the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention as well as influence on student interest in paediatric chronic disease and paediatric nephrology. We developed and distributed surveys to patients, unit staff, and students after programme implementation. From October 2022 to April 2023, medical students collectively spent ~173 h in the dialysis unit. Staff and patients/families unanimously reported that they would recommend the KIDNEE club to other families. Students objectively reported an increased interest in paediatric nephrology and chronic disease and subjectively reported an increased understanding of the patient experience.

The KIDNEE club pilot was both feasible and acceptable for patients/families, staff and students. It holds the potential to increase student interest in the field of paediatric nephrology. As our results are limited by small sample size given the pilot nature of the programme, future studies are needed to assess programme expansion and longitudinal influence on students' career paths.