RecruitingNot SpecifiedObservational

LINK-UP: novel interventions in kidney disease - user perspectives

This study, called LINK-UP, aims to find better ways to support people living with kidney disease. Kidney disease can be challenging, affecting daily life and leading to serious health issues. A digital tool called "My Kidneys & Me" was built to help, and a past study showed it increased confidence in managing the condition. However, getting such tools into everyday healthcare can be tricky. Researchers want to speak with patients, carers, and healthcare staff to understand what makes these support tools helpful or difficult to use. Their goal is to make future tools more effective, reach more people and be easier for everyone to use. Your insights could help improve care for many.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Specified

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

Start

27 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2028

Kidney disease

What is this study about?

Kidney disease affects more than one in ten adults in the UK. It can lead to serious health problems like kidney failure or heart issues, and also make daily life harder because of special diets, medications, and feeling generally tired. We know it's a big challenge for many people.

To help with this, a digital tool called "My Kidneys & Me" was developed. This tool gives you personal information and support to help you understand and manage your kidney disease better. Previous research found that using this tool helped people feel more confident about looking after their kidney health. Now, the challenge is how to make these helpful tools easily available and used by everyone in regular healthcare.

This study, called LINK-UP, wants to understand what helps or gets in the way when creating and using these kinds of support tools for people with kidney disease. The researchers will talk to different groups of people, including patients, their family members or carers, and healthcare professionals. By listening to their experiences and opinions, the study hopes to find out how to make future tools like "My Kidneys & Me" even better, more welcoming to everyone, and simpler to use.

Key takeaways

This study wants your feedback to improve kidney disease support.
It's about having conversations, not taking medicine.
Your insights can help shape future digital health tools.
Participation involves a short survey and a discussion (1-1.5 hours).
You'll receive a £30 voucher and travel costs are covered.
You can stop taking part at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older. This study is looking for a few different types of people.

First, if you have kidney disease, or even think you might have it, you could be eligible (the study team will check this). Second, if you are a family member, friend, or carer for someone with kidney disease, your views are important. Third, if you work with kidney patients in any way, perhaps as a healthcare professional, a charity worker, or a service manager, your experience is also valuable.

However, if you don't have any connection to kidney disease, or if you can't officially agree to take part in the study, unfortunately, you won't be able to join.

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?
Do you have kidney disease, or think you might have it?
Are you a relative, friend, or carer of someone with kidney disease?
Do you work professionally with kidney patients or have knowledge of kidney disease?
Are you able to officially agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to share your thoughts and experiences. This will involve either a one-on-one chat with a researcher, a "think aloud" session where you talk through your thoughts while looking at something, or a group discussion with other participants. The interview or discussion will last up to 1 to 1.5 hours. Before this, you'll also fill out a short online survey. The discussions are designed to be flexible, so you can speak freely and openly about your experiences. There are no medications or special follow-up visits involved; it's purely about sharing your perspectives.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the benefit of helping to improve support and services for people with kidney disease in the future. As a thank you for your time, you'll receive a £30 gift voucher, and any travel costs to an in-person interview will be covered. However, talking about personal experiences, especially with a health condition, might feel upsetting for some. You can pause, skip any questions, or stop taking part at any time you wish without giving a reason. If you do seem distressed, the interviewer will check if you're okay and might suggest talking to your GP. In extreme cases, if something serious, like a safety concern, is shared, the research team might need to pass on this information, but they will always try to let you know first.

Locations (1)

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

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
City only
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to understand what helps or hinders people when using support tools for kidney disease, to make future tools better for everyone.

How long will my involvement take?

Your interview or group discussion will last up to 1 to 1.5 hours, plus a short online survey beforehand.

Will I get paid for taking part?

You will receive a £30 gift voucher as a thank you, and travel costs for in-person interviews will be reimbursed.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, you can pause, skip questions, or stop participating at any time during the study without needing to give a reason.

Where is the study based?

The study is run from the University of Leicester and Leicester General Hospital, but you can also take part online via video call.

How to find out more

Gurneet Sohansoha

gurneet.sohansoha@uhl-tr.nhs.uk +44 1162584346 Official trial record

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