Follow-Up Study on the Effect of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy on Haemodialysis Adherence: A randomised controlled trial

Efficacy of a Web-Based Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Program in Improving Predialysis Blood Pressure Control Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Hypertension is highly prevalent among patients undergoing hemodialysis, with a significant proportion experiencing poorly controlled blood pressure (BP). Digital BP management in this population has been underused.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a web-based home BP monitoring (HBPM) program in improving predialysis BP control and enhancing knowledge, perception, and adherence to HBPM among patients with hypertension undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted at 2 hemodialysis units. Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the web-based HBPM program as the intervention group or to usual care as the control group over a 6-month period. The primary outcomes were the predialysis BP control rate, defined as less than 140/90 mm Hg, and the predialysis systolic and diastolic BP, assessed from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included patient knowledge, perception, and adherence to HBPM, evaluated using the HBPM Knowledge Questionnaire, HBPM Perception Scale, and HBPM Adherence Scale, respectively. A generalized estimating equations analysis was used to analyze the primary outcomes in the intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

Of the 165 patients enrolled in the program (n=84, 50.9% in the web-based HBPM group and n=81, 49.1% in the control group), 145 (87.9%) completed the follow-up assessment. During the follow-up period, 11 instances of hypotension occurred in 9 patients in the web-based HBPM group, compared to 15 instances in 14 patients in the control group. The predialysis BP control rate increased from 30% (25/84) to 48% (40/84) in the web-based HBPM group after the 6-month intervention, whereas in the control group, it decreased from 37% (30/81) to 25% (20/81; χ22=16.82, P<.001; odds ratio 5.11, 95% CI 2.14-12.23, P<.001). The web-based HBPM group demonstrated a significant reduction after the 6-month intervention in the predialysis systolic BP (t163=2.46, P=.02; β=-6.09, 95 % CI -10.94 to -1.24, P=.01) and the predialysis diastolic BP (t163=3.20, P=.002; β=-4.93, 95% CI -7.93 to -1.93, P=.001). Scores on the HBPM Knowledge Questionnaire (t163=-9.18, P<.001), HBPM Perception Scale (t163=-10.65, P<.001), and HBPM Adherence Scale (t163=-8.04, P<.001) were significantly higher after 6 months of intervention.

Conclusions

The implementation of a web-based HBPM program can enhance predialysis BP control and the knowledge, perception, and adherence to HBPM among patients undergoing hemodialysis. This web-based HBPM program should be promoted in appropriate clinical settings.

Impact of Nutrition Education on Various Health-Related Components of Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review

This study aimed to identify the impact of nutrition education on various health-related components of hemodialysis patients. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant literature published between 2013 and 2023 was identified across two databases (PubMed and Science Direct). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023460681). Two independent reviewers retrieved the data, and 41 studies were selected. Nine components related to the impact of nutrition education in hemodialysis patients were identified. Each component was clarified by mentioning each study and its results. This study enabled us to characterize the various components of the impact of nutritional education in hemodialysis patients, namely biological markers, quality of life, cost of care, adherence to dietary recommendations, knowledge, malnutrition inflammation, dietary intake, weight change, and behavior change. This systematic review enables healthcare providers to assess the impact of nutritional education on hemodialysis patients. Also, it gives professionals an exact idea of the impact of nutrition education on hemodialysis patients, with knowledge of new methods using behavior change theories and innovative technological tools.

Automated Digital Counseling Program (ODYSSEE-Kidney Health): A Pilot Study on Health-Related Quality of Life

Key Points

Feasibility of implementing an automated, scalable, digital self-care program for patients with CKD was established. The primary outcome of improvement in health-related quality of life improved with the ODYSSEE-Kidney Health program. A dose relationship was shown between program engagement tertile and improvement in 4-month outcomes.

Background

In-person counseling programs promote self-care behavior and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ODYSSEE-Kidney Health (prO moting health with D igitallY based counS eling for S elf-care bE havior and quality of lifE ; ODYSSEE-KH) is an automated, scalable, digital counseling program for patients with CKD. This open-label, single-arm pilot study tested the efficacy potential of the ODYSSEE-KH program to improve HRQoL in patients with CKD.

Methods

Adults with categories G3b to 5d CKD were recruited from nephrology clinics in Toronto, Canada. Patients (N =29) received access to the ODYSSEE-KH program in conjunction with usual care. Generalized linear models and pairwise comparisons of mean change scores were conducted to assess the primary outcome: Mental Component Score (MCS) of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form instrument. Secondary outcomes included the MCS Mental Health Scale, 36-Item Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire for depression, Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Social Support Instrument, and 3-Item Revised University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years (SD=18.3); 35% were women; 56% were White; 93% had completed ≥postsecondary education; patients came from the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic (n =9), Home Peritoneal Dialysis Unit (n =12), and Home Hemodialysis Unit (n =8); and 24 participants completed the 4-month end-of-study questionnaires. Outcomes were assessed according to tertiles of program log-on minutes: median (range)=67 (62–108), 212 (119–355), and 500 (359–1573) minutes, respectively. Patients in the highest tertile of engagement showed significant improvements on the MCS versus the moderate tertile group (P = 0.01). Significant dose-response associations were observed for the MCS Mental Health Scale (P < 0.05), KDQoL Burden on Kidney Disease (P < 0.01), KDQoL Effect of Kidney Disease on Everyday Life (P < 0.01), aggregated KDQoL Summary Scale (P < 0.05), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (P < 0.01), Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (P < 0.05), Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Social Support Instrument (P < 0.01), and 3-Item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The ODYSSEE-KH program demonstrated feasibility as an automated, scalable, digital self-care program for patients with CKD. There is evidence of its efficacy potential to improve HRQoL. Further evaluation with a larger sample is warranted.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Pain Management in Hemodialysis: A Narrative Review

This narrative review aims to summarize non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in hemodialysis patients, assessing their potential benefits and limitations in enhancing patient well-being and quality of life. We reviewed the current literature on five primary non-pharmacological interventions: acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, virtual reality, and alternative methods such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, music therapy, and aromatherapy. We analyzed the evidence regarding their effectiveness, feasibility, and optimal implementation strategies. The existing evidence supports the potential benefits of these interventions in managing pain and improving the well-being of hemodialysis patients. However, further high-quality research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, establish implementation best practices, and assess their long-term impact on patient outcomes. Non-pharmacological interventions hold promise for pain management in hemodialysis patients. Additional research is required to optimize these interventions and validate their effectiveness, contributing to comprehensive pain management strategies for this vulnerable patient population.

Interventions to promote medication adherence for chronic diseases in India: a systematic review

Introduction

Cost-effective interventions that improve medication adherence are urgently needed to address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. However, in low- and middle-income countries like India, there is a lack of analysis evaluating the effectiveness of adherence improving strategies. We conducted the first systematic review evaluating interventions aimed at improving medication adherence for chronic diseases in India.

Methods

A systematic search on MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted. Based on a PRISMA-compliant, pre-defined methodology, randomized control trials were included which: involved subjects with NCDs; were located in India; used any intervention with the aim of improving medication adherence; and measured adherence as a primary or secondary outcome.

Results

The search strategy yielded 1,552 unique articles of which 22 met inclusion criteria. Interventions assessed by these studies included education-based interventions (n = 12), combinations of education-based interventions with regular follow up (n = 4), and technology-based interventions (n = 2). Non-communicable diseases evaluated commonly were respiratory disease (n = 3), type 2 diabetes (n = 6), cardiovascular disease (n = 8) and depression (n = 2).

Conclusions

Although the vast majority of primary studies supporting the conclusions were of mixed methodological quality, patient education by CHWs and pharmacists represent promising interventions to improve medication adherence, with further benefits from regular follow-up. There is need for systematic evaluation of these interventions with high quality RCTs and their implementation as part of wider health policy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022345636, identifier: CRD42022345636.

Frailty and Age-Associated Assessments Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease and Transplantation Outcomes

Background. Frailty is often defined as a decrease in physiological reserve and has been shown to be correlated with adverse health outcomes and mortality in the general population. This condition is highly prevalent in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient population as well as in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Other age-associated changes include sarcopenia, nutrition, cognition, and depression. In assessing the contributions of these components to patient outcomes and their prevalence in the CKD and KT patient population, it can be determined how such variables may be associated with frailty and the extent to which they may impact the adverse outcomes an individual may experience. Objectives. We sought to perform a systematic literature review to review published data on frailty and associated age-associated syndromes in CKD and KT patients. Results. Over 80 references pertinent to frailty, sarcopenia, nutrition, cognition, or depression in patients with CKD or KT were identified. Systematic review was performed to evaluate the data supporting the use of the following approaches: Fried Frailty, Short Physical Performance Battery, Frailty Index, Sarcopenia Index, CT scan quantification of muscle mass, health-related quality of life, and assessment tools for nutrition, cognition, and depression. Conclusion. This report represents a comprehensive review of previously published research articles on this topic. The intersectionality between all these components in contributing to the patient’s clinical status suggests a need for a multifaceted approach to developing comprehensive care and treatment for the CKD and KT population to improve outcomes before and after transplantation.

Interdialytic weight gain and educational/cognitive, counseling/behavioral and psychological/affective interventions in patients on chronic hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This work aimed to shed light on the notorious debate over the role of an educational/cognitive/behavioral or psychological approach in the reduction of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

METHODS

Searches were run from 1975 to January 2022 on Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The search terms included "hemodialysis/haemodialysis" AND "adherence" AND ("fluid intake" OR "water intake") AND ("weight gain" OR "interdialytic weight gain" OR "IDWG") AND "patient-level interventions. Randomized controlled studies were eligible if they were in English, published in a peer-reviewed journal and regarded adults patients with on chronic hemodialysis for at least 6 months; compared educational/cognitive and/or counseling/behavioral or psychological interventions to no intervention on interdialytic weight gain. Outcome of interest was interdialytic weight gain. The review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews in Health and Social Care (PROSPERO, ID number CRD42022332401).

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (1759 patients) were included in the analysis. Compared to the untreated group, educational/cognitive and/or counseling/behavioral interventions significantly reduced interdialytic weight gain with a pooled mean difference of - 0.15 kg (95% CI - 0.26, 30-0.05; P = 0.004). On the other hand, psychological/affective interventions reduced interdialytic weight gain with a pooled mean difference of - 0.26 kg (95% CI - 0.48, - 0.04; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Educational/cognitive, counseling/behavioral or psychological/affective interventions significantly reduced the interdialytic weight gain in patients on chronic hemodialysis, although such reduction did not appear to be clinically relevant on hard outcomes.

Design and Development of a Digital Counseling Program for Chronic Kidney Disease

Background:

Self-management has shown to improve the quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Readily accessible self-management tools are essential in promoting adherence to self-care behaviors. In recognizing that digital health facilitates efficient access to self-management programs, we developed a digital counseling program, ODYSSEE Kidney Health, to promote self-care behaviors while supporting health-related quality of life.

Objective:

To present the design and development of ODYSSEE Kidney Health for digital counseling for patients with CKD.

Design:

The study involved an iterative design process based on user-centered design principles to develop the digital counseling program, ODYSSEE Kidney Health.

Setting:

A sample of 10 to 15 participants were purposively sampled from nephrology clinics at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.

Methods:

Participants underwent 2 phases in the development process. In each phase, participants were presented with a component of the program, asked to perform goal-oriented tasks, and participate in the “think-aloud” process. Semi-structured interviews followed the first phase to identify feedback about the overall program. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified themes from the usability testing. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient demographic data.

Results:

We enrolled 11 participants (n = 7 males, n = 4 females, ages 30-82). The main themes generated anchored on (1) impact on nephrology care, (2) technical features, and (3) CKD content. Overall, participants reported positive satisfaction toward the navigation, layout, and content of the program. They cited the value of the program in their daily CKD care.

Limitations:

Study limitations included using a single center to recruit participants, most of the participants having prior technology use, and using one module as a representative of the entire digital platform.

Conclusion:

The acceptability of a digital counseling program for patients with CKD relies on taking the patients’ perspective using a user-centered design process. It is vital in ensuring adoption and adherence to self-management interventions aimed at sustaining behavioral change.