Collaboration helps increase kidney disease research
A DEDICATED research nurse, with an in-depth understanding of peritoneal dialysis, has helped the Sheffield Kidney Institute and the Sheffield NIHR Clinical Research Facility increase the number of research studies it is offering to patients.
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Yvonne Jackson was employed to work alongside Louese Dunn, a Sheffield Kidney Institute research coordinator in 2012 to reverse a noticeable dip in the number of studies the department was offering to patients on peritoneal dialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for patients with severe kidney disease which involves cleaning the blood regularly throughout the day via a catheter in the abdomen.
As a result, the number of peritoneal dialysis studies the number of patients taking part in research in this area has quadrupled, and patients have been recruited as partners to the team’s study focus groups.
These patients advise and support researchers on future peritoneal dialysis studies and grant applications. The number of studies being run – which had decreased to two in 2012 – is now back on the upward turn, too.
Louese Dunn, renal research co-ordinator, said: “Developing better methods to increase the opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research is really important, not only in terms of research growth and development, but also in influencing future care.
"The support of a dedicated clinical research co-ordinator and PD Research Nurse, has enabled us to continue to develop and expand research within peritoneal dialysis and these has numerous benefits.”
Yvonne Jackson, research nurse, said: “Being able to relate to patients with peritoneal dialysis, what their condition is and how it affects them can make all the difference when discussing clinical research studies with patients as I don’t always have to keep referring them to the medical team. Understanding the treatment also helps patients feel more at ease when discussing clinical research, and that they have time to make an informed decision as to whether to take part or not.”
The findings of the research collaboration between the Sheffield Kidney Institute and Sheffield’s NIHR Clinical Research Facility were presented International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis conference in September 2014. The conference brings together peritoneal dialysis specialists from all over the world.
ENDS
Photo: Yvonne Jackson (second from the right) presenting the peritoneal dialysis findings at the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis conference with research colleagues from SpainMEDIA CONTACT:
Claudia Blake, Communications Specialist
Tel: 0114 226 5033
Email: claudia.blake@sth.nhs.uk
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