Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Symptom Management in Patients on Dialysis

This study, called SUPPORT-DIALYSIS, is exploring new ways to help people on dialysis manage their symptoms like chronic pain, itching, tiredness, anxiety, and sleep problems. These symptoms can really affect quality of life. The study aims to see if using electronic surveys (ePROMs) to track symptoms, combined with an online information hub, can make a difference. Participants will answer questions every four weeks for six months. If severe symptoms are flagged, the patient's healthcare team will be alerted and given access to the online hub for helpful advice. This pilot study hopes to show that this approach is practical and can be used in the future to improve care for people with end-stage kidney disease.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

19 Apr 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

End-stage Kidney Disease

What is this study about?

If you're living with end-stage kidney disease and have dialysis, you might experience various symptoms like ongoing pain, itching, extreme tiredness, feeling anxious or low, or having trouble sleeping. These symptoms can be tough and might affect your daily life and overall health. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't always fully recognised or managed as well as they could be.

This study is trying out a new approach to help tackle this. It uses a system where you regularly answer questions about your symptoms using an electronic device. This helps you and your healthcare team keep a close eye on how you're feeling. The study also includes an online resource hub – a website with information and advice – designed to support you and your doctors in managing these symptoms effectively.

The main idea is to see if these tools can make it easier to identify and manage your symptoms, potentially improving your overall well-being. It's a pilot study, meaning it's a first step to see if this new system is practical and helpful for people undergoing dialysis.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make it easier to track and manage symptoms for people on dialysis.
It uses electronic surveys and an online information hub.
Participation lasts for six months and involves answering questions during dialysis.
The goal is to improve symptom recognition and management, potentially enhancing quality of life.
No new medications are given as part of this study.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult of 18 years or older, and you must have been having regular dialysis treatment for at least three months.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a serious illness that would make it difficult to complete the questionnaires, or if your medical records show you have dementia. You also need to be able to understand English, as the questionnaires and information are in English. Importantly, if your doctor believes your life expectancy is less than six months or if you're unable or unwilling to give your full agreement to participate, you won't be able to be part of the study.

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?
Have you been on regular dialysis for at least 3 months?
Are you able to or understand English?
Do you feel well enough to complete surveys?
Do you want to participate and provide your consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to complete electronic surveys about your symptoms every four weeks. You'll do this during your regular dialysis treatment sessions over a period of six months. There are no new medications involved; the study focuses on tracking symptoms and providing information. If your surveys show moderate or severe symptoms, your care team (your nurse and kidney doctor) will be alerted and given access to an online resource (https://symptomcare.org) with suggestions for managing those symptoms. You would also get access to this information. You won't have extra clinic visits beyond your usual dialysis appointments, and the total duration of your participation will be six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of more focused attention on your symptoms, potentially leading to better management and an improved sense of well-being. There are very few direct risks, as there are no new treatments involved. However, spending time completing the surveys might be a small burden for some. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Etobicoke General Hospital
Verified postcode
Brampton, Canada
Toronto General Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What exactly is "electronic patient reported outcome measures"?

It means you use a computer or tablet to answer questions about your symptoms, rather than filling out paper forms.

Will I get any special medicine in this study?

No, this study doesn't involve any new medicines. It's about how we track and manage your symptoms using information and online support.

How long will I be in the study?

You'll be part of the study for six months in total.

What if my symptoms get worse during the study?

The system is designed to alert your healthcare team if your symptoms are moderate or severe, so they can discuss options with you and access helpful information.

Do I have to go to extra appointments for this study?

No, you will complete the surveys during your routine dialysis sessions, so there are no extra appointments.