Project Title

Development of a psychosocial intervention to support informal caregivers of people with end-stage kidney disease receiving haemodialysis

Research Focus

End stage kidney disease; palliative care

Funder & Dates

Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund

Principal Investigator or Primary Supervisor (if PhD project)

Dr Helen Noble

Co-Investigators or additional supervisors

Professor Joanne Reid

Dr Clare McKeaveney

Research Fellow(s) or PhD Student

Michael Matthews

Name & Institution of Collaborators

Antrim Area Hospital and Belfast City Hospital Renal units.

Name of External Partner Organisations

Description of Project:

Aim; Methods; Expected Outcomes

Aim - The aim of this study is to explore the experiences and unmet needs of informal carers of people with end-stage kidney disease receiving haemodialysis and develop a suitable psychosocial intervention to address their needs and support them in their caring role.

Methods – The Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines for developing complex interventions will underpin this qualitative study and will include a systematic review, semi-structured interviews with 30 informal carers of patients with end-stage kidney disease, and focus groups with renal health care professionals and carers.  Perceptions of care provision, caregiving experiences as well as contextual factors influencing the design and delivery of a psychosocial intervention for informal carers of patients with end-stage kidney disease will be explored. Results will inform the development of a psychosocial intervention designed to help patients and carers.      

Implications for practice - This qualitative study will inform the rigorous development of a psychosocial intervention to improve the health and wellbeing of informal carers and the people that they care for, and therefore enhance the experience of care giving to persons with end-stage kidney disease receiving haemodialysis.

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