Patient Self-Management of Kidney Diseases: A Health Care Staff Perspective

Background: Self-management is an important component of care for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Effective self-management has the potential to improve health outcomes, but evidence-based resources to support people with non-dialysis CKD to self-manage are lacking. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are critical for the uptake and adoption of self-management resources in clinical practice. This qualitative study explored professional stakeholders' views on current practices of self-management education and support and the requirements for effective resources to be used in routine care Methods: Semi-structured interviews with kidney HCPs and service managers were conducted to explore CKD education and self-management support. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 42 participants, including 20 nephrologists, 6 kidney nurses, 10 allied health professionals, and 6 service managers in kidney care and quality improvement were interviewed. Four overarching themes were identified: Lack of prioritisation of self-management education and practices (perceived that self-management is overlooked in CKD and lacks priority in current practices) Personalised and responsive approach to CKD (considering the need to take a patient-centred approach to care and understanding self-management in CKD to other multiple long-term conditions) Perceived features of successful self-management (identifying key effective strategies for self-management resources and support) Considerations around health equity (Adapting interventions to improve equity and accessibility for underserved groups) Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for patient education and evidence-based self-management resources. HCPs should prioritise patient knowledge and understanding of kidney disease, tailor resources to individual needs, and improve equity for underserved groups. These findings can be used to support the design and delivery of healthcare resources to optimise and increase uptake.