RecruitingObservational

Improving chronic kidney disease identification and assessing its association with health inequalities in coding practices

This study focuses on improving how Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is identified and recorded in GP patient notes across Lancashire & South Cumbria. CKD is a long-term condition where kidneys are gradually damaged. Currently, not everyone with CKD is correctly identified, meaning some miss out on vital care while others are wrongly coded. This study will create a special computer tool to accurately find people with CKD, correct any wrong recordings, and help ensure everyone gets the right support. It will also look at whether certain groups, like those in deprived areas or from ethnic minorities, are more affected by these issues.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

60,000

Start

20 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

19 Apr 2028

Chronic Kidney Disease

What is this study about?

This study is about improving how a common, long-lasting kidney problem, called Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is spotted and noted down in your GP records. CKD means your kidneys aren't working as well as they should be. If it's not found early, it can lead to more serious health issues.

Currently, it can be tricky to correctly identify everyone with CKD. Sometimes, people who have it aren't noted in their GP records, so they might miss out on important check-ups or medicines. Other times, people are wrongly recorded as having CKD when they don't, which can lead to unnecessary worry or treatments. These issues can be more common in areas with fewer resources or among certain ethnic groups, even though CKD can affect anyone. This study wants to make sure that everyone with CKD is correctly identified and gets the care they need.

The main goal is to create a clever computer program, or 'algorithm,' that can look at existing health information and accurately find people with CKD, or spot where people have been incorrectly coded. This tool will help GPs keep better track of patients with CKD, make sure they receive the right care, and avoid unnecessary treatments for those who don't have the condition. Ultimately, this could lead to better health outcomes for many people and reduce the strain on the NHS by avoiding hospital visits that could have been prevented with earlier, correct care.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve identification and recording of kidney disease (CKD) in GP records.
It uses a new computer tool to ensure accurate diagnosis and coding.
No direct patient contact is involved; it analyses existing health records.
Aims to ensure people with CKD get appropriate care and prevent incorrect diagnoses.
Strict measures are in place to protect patient data and privacy.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. There isn't an upper age limit. You also need to be registered with a GP practice in the Lancashire & South Cumbria area that has agreed to take part in the study.

You won't be able to be included in the study if you are under 18 years old or if your GP practice is not located within Lancashire & South Cumbria. These are the main things that decide if you can be included or not.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Is your GP practice in Lancashire & South Cumbria?
Has your GP practice agreed to take part in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is different because you won't need to do anything yourself, like visit a clinic, have extra tests, or take new medicines. The researchers will be looking at existing health records that are already collected as part of your usual care at your GP practice. They will use this information to develop and test their new computer tool.

The study involves collecting information that your GP already holds about your health. The researchers will then use their special computer program to look at this data. If the program works well, the next step would be to try it out across GP practices in Lancashire & South Cumbria to see how it helps patients and the healthcare system. The study is expected to run from April 2026 to July 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of this study is that it aims to improve how CKD is found and recorded. This could mean people who have CKD, but haven't been diagnosed yet, get the care they need sooner. It also means people who were wrongly recorded as having CKD might be identified and removed from registers, saving them unnecessary tests or worry. Since the study only uses existing health records and doesn't involve any direct contact with you, there's no personal risk of inconvenience or changes to your relationship with your GP or specialists. The main potential risk is about your data being kept private. However, very strict measures are in place to keep your information safe. For example, your GP will only share your NHS number and a list of people already on their CKD register, without other personal details. Researchers will only see identifiable information when absolutely necessary, and all data will be stored securely. With these safeguards, the risk to your privacy is considered very low. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in such research, often by informing your GP practice.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Preston, England
Chorley and South Ribble Network (Primary Care Network)
Unverified
Chorley, England
Stonebridge Surgery
Unverified
Preston, England
Garstang Medical Practice
Unverified
Preston, England

Common questions

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

CKD is a long-term problem where your kidneys gradually stop working as well as they should.

Will I have to do anything if I participate?

No, you don't have to do anything. The study uses existing health records, so there's no direct contact with patients.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by the Renal Department at Royal Preston Hospital and funded by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

How will my personal information be kept safe?

Very strict rules are in place. Only limited, non-identifiable information is used, and it's stored on secure NHS systems.

When does the study start?

The study is expected to start in April 2026 and run until July 2028.

How to find out more

Wing Yin Leung

wingyin.leung@lthtr.nhs.uk +44 1772 716565 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.