Feasibility and Acceptability of a Co‐Designed Self‐Management Programme for People Living With Kidney Failure

TL;DR

A self-management program for kidney failure patients, co-designed with patients, was found to be feasible and well-accepted, improving confidence and knowledge.

Contribution

This study is among the first to evaluate a co-designed self-management program for kidney failure patients not yet on dialysis.

Findings

The program achieved a high recruitment and retention rate with full adherence from participants.

Participants reported increased confidence and knowledge in managing their condition.

Home-based learning was valued, though screen readability and video resources were suggested for improvement.

Abstract

Effective self‐management is critical in chronic kidney disease, yet many patients report low confidence and engagement in healthcare. Co‐designed self‐management programmes may strengthen uptake and sustainability, but few have been tested in kidney failure not yet on dialysis populations. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a self‐management programme designed by and for people with chronic kidney disease.

We conducted a single‐arm, pre–post feasibility study in adults with kidney failure (eGFR ≤ 15 mL/min/1.73 m²) not yet on dialysis at an Australian nephrology unit. Patients attending the clinic were invited to participate in a 12‐week nurse‐led self‐management programme, co‐designed in partnership with people with kidney disease. The programme included motivational interviewing, structured goal setting, and tailored education delivered via digital or paper format. Feasibility measures included participant recruitment and retention, programme adherence and acceptability, assessed through a post‐programme evaluation survey.

Of the 40 patients invited, 31 consented to enrol on the programme (recruitment rate 31/40, 78%). All but one participant completed the follow‐up survey (30/31, retention rate 97%), achieving 100% programme adherence among completers. Most participants reported improvements in knowledge, greater confidence in self‐management, and valued the nurse support. Participants highlighted the convenience of home‐based learning but noted challenges with small‐screen readability and requested additional video resources.

A co‐designed, nurse‐led self‐management programme was feasible and highly acceptable for people with kidney failure not yet on dialysis. Findings support further evaluation in a larger controlled trial. Integration of this programme into routine care could strengthen patient readiness for kidney replacement therapy.

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