Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Experience of Young Adult Kidney Patients Requiring Haemodialysis

This study is for young adults aged 16 to 30 in the UK who have kidney failure and are receiving blood dialysis (haemodialysis) in a hospital or clinic. We want to understand what it's like for them, particularly how it affects their social life and if they feel lonely or isolated. The study will involve surveys, discussions, and workshops to help develop better support and resources specifically for young people on dialysis. Our goal is to make sure that young adults on dialysis feel heard and supported, and that their experiences are improved in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Hertfordshire

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Chronic Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis

What is this study about?

This study is designed to understand what life is like for young adults (between 16 and 30 years old) in the UK who have kidney failure and receive a treatment called haemodialysis. This type of dialysis is done by a machine in a hospital or clinic to clean their blood. The researchers want to hear directly from these young people because they believe that having kidney failure and needing dialysis shouldn't make someone feel lonely or cut off from others.

Over three main parts, the study will first look at what kind of support is currently available for young adults on dialysis across different units. They will then have group discussions and interviews with young adults from various backgrounds to really explore their personal experiences and feelings, especially about loneliness and social interaction. This is important to make sure any new support ideas work for everyone.

Finally, the study will bring young adults and people with experience of dialysis together in a workshop to create new ideas and resources. These will be practical suggestions and tools to help improve the experience of young adults on dialysis and make sure they feel more connected. By taking part, young adults have a chance to help make a positive difference for themselves and others like them in the future.

Key takeaways

Hear directly from young adults (16-30) on dialysis.
Understand experiences of loneliness and isolation.
Develop new, helpful resources and support.
Opportunity to improve future care for young people.
Focuses on hospital/clinic-based dialysis.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a young adult between 16 and 30 years old. You must have kidney failure and be receiving blood dialysis (haemodialysis) in a hospital or clinic setting.

It's also important that you've had experience with dialysis in a hospital or clinic, as the study focuses on that specific experience. You also need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

If you are younger than 16 or older than 30, or if you haven't had dialysis in a hospital or clinic, then this particular study wouldn't be right for you.

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 between 16 and 30 years old?
Do you have kidney failure?
Are you currently receiving haemodialysis in a hospital or clinic?
Have you had experience with dialysis in a hospital or clinic?
Can you understand what the study involves and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study will involve a few different steps. You might be asked to complete a survey about the support available at your dialysis unit and your experiences, including if you feel lonely. There will also be focus groups (group discussions) and individual interviews where you can share your thoughts and feelings about receiving dialysis in a hospital or clinic. Finally, some participants will be invited to a workshop, which can be in person or online, to help develop new resources and recommendations. The exact number of visits or meetings will depend on which parts of the study you participate in, but all activities are designed to understand and improve the experience of young adults on dialysis.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is the opportunity to share your experiences and help create better support and resources for young adults with kidney failure on dialysis. Your input can truly make a difference for others in the future. There are no significant physical risks involved. The main risk might be feeling a bit tired or discussing sensitive personal feelings during interviews or discussions. You are totally free to stop participating at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

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

East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stevenage, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is haemodialysis?

Haemodialysis is a treatment for kidney failure where a machine helps clean your blood, usually at a hospital or clinic.

Who is running this study?

This study was created with input from people who have experienced kidney disease themselves.

Do I have to share really personal things?

You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Your privacy will be protected.

What will happen to the information I give?

Your insights will be used to help create new ideas and support materials for young adults on dialysis.

Will taking part change my medical care?

No, taking part in this research will not affect your current medical treatment or care in any way.