Tailored Complex Symptom Management Intervention for Adults with Advanced Kidney Disease and Their Informal...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Gerontology
• Nursing Research

Background:

• Advanced kidney disease presents complex symptom and caregiver burden.
• Current care models may not adequately address these multifaceted challenges.
• A tailored, non-pharmacological intervention is needed for patients and informal caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-design and test the effectiveness of a tailored Complex symptom Management intervention FOR adulTs (COMFORT) with advanced kidney disease.
• To evaluate the impact of the COMFORT intervention on patient symptom burden and caregiver burden.
• To integrate shared decision-making and self-management support into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• The COMFORT program utilizes the UK Medical Research Council's framework for complex interventions.
• A mixed-methods approach includes intervention development, co-design workshops, prototype testing, a feasibility trial, and a type two hybrid randomized control trial.
• Focus on both clinical outcomes and implementation fidelity ensures comprehensive evaluation.

Main Results:

• The COMFORT intervention is hypothesized to be superior to standard care in reducing symptom burden in adults with advanced kidney disease.
• The program is expected to significantly reduce caregiver burden among informal caregivers.
• Stakeholder involvement ensures the relevance and applicability of findings.

Conclusions:

• The COMFORT Nursing Program addresses a critical gap in managing complex symptoms in advanced kidney disease.
• Non-pharmacological interventions tailored to individual needs can empower patients and caregivers.
• This research contributes substantial evidence to symptom management in advanced kidney disease, enhancing clinical practice.