A psychosocial intervention for individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease: a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

Aim The current study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a psychosocial intervention, the Kidney Optimal Health Program, in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease. Methods Patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease were randomised to either a nine-session psychosocial intervention program or usual care. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates and program acceptability. Participants completed assessments of depression, anxiety and psychosocial health at baseline and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare groups on outcomes over time. Results 128 patients were screened for eligibility; 84 consented to participant and were randomised to receive the intervention (N=42) or usual care (N=42). 27 (32.1%) participants withdrew prior to baseline assessment. Of those who completed the baseline assessment (N=57), trial retention was high (75.4% at 3-months, 80.7% at 6-months and 70.2% at 12-months follow-up). Participants reported high levels of program acceptability. The patients who completed the intervention (N=17) demonstrated significantly decreased depression at 12-month follow-up compared to the usual care group (N=13). Conclusion The results support the feasibility of the Kidney Optimal Health Program intervention in recruitment, retention and program acceptability with an improved screening protocol. Preliminary support is provided for improvement in depressive symptoms in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Further investigation through a fully powered randomised controlled trial is warranted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.