How can we improve young adults’ experiences of haemodialysis?
Mrs Karen Nagalingam, from the University of Hertfordshire and Lister Hospital, has been awarded a nurse-led start-up grant award of £39,000 with funding from Kidney Research UK, Stewart Cameron and the Association of Nephrology Nurses (ANN UK), to identify ways to improve social interaction and reduce isolation and loneliness in young adults receiving haemodialysis.
The problem
Although less common, young adults (aged 18-30) can also be affected by kidney disease and may require haemodialysis. This can be in a hospital or at home.
Haemodialysis can be challenging for all patients, and it is important we look at the experiences and needs of all groups. Having haemodialysis in a hospital may be more sociable, and relationships may be built with other patients and staff. However, as there are relatively few young adults undergoing haemodialysis, this may be more difficult for different age groups.
People who are on haemodialysis are also more likely to have depression and anxiety and these rates are even higher in young adults. We also know that social activity and peer support can improve depression and self-esteem.
The solution
In this project, Karen aims to understand young adults’ experiences on haemodialysis and consider how this can be improved.
Karen will firstly look at the support currently available for young adults on haemodialysis, before conducting interviews and running focus groups to explore more about their experiences. She will then use this information to run a workshop with young adults and individuals who have received haemodialysis to develop recommendations and resources.
What does this mean for kidney patients?
This study will give a voice to young adults who have had haemodialysis and offers the opportunity to improve their experiences by providing recommendations and resources to support them. This could lead to the development of a larger study to improve social isolation and feelings of loneliness in this patient group.
“Kidney disease is hard to have at any age, but as a nurse, I have seen first-hand the significant impact this has on young adults in dialysis centres. I want to do everything I can to ensure they do not feel lonely or isolated. I hope this work is the starting point to much needed discussions and opportunities to improve their experiences.” Karen Nagalingam.
Meet the researcher
Karen is an acute kidney injury nurse specialist and East of England regional renal nurse network lead, based at Lister hospital. She is also a senior clinical fellow at the University of Hertfordshire.
“As a nurse, it can be difficult to find the time to carry out research, and I am grateful for the opportunity Kidney Research UK has given me to explore this important topic to hopefully help improve young adults’ experience of haemodialysis in the future. I love being in research - it’s fantastic and I want to inspire others!”
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