New AKF Research Will Examine Challenges Kidney Patients Face In Adhering To Treatment Regimens

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has launched a nationwide study examining the factors that can make it difficult for people who are on dialysis to adhere consistently to their prescribed treatment regimens. This study, funded by Amgen, seeks to identify leading reasons for non-adherence so that appropriate patient interventions may be designed.

Studies have shown that between 30 and 60 percent of chronically ill patients do not adhere to their prescribed medical therapies. The treatment regimen for dialysis patients is demanding: medication, regular dialysis treatment, and strict fluid and diet restrictions. Non-adherence can lead to hospitalizations, adverse effects or even death.

"Kidney failure is an enormously difficult condition to live with, and it's crucial that we gain a better understanding of the unique challenges patients face in their daily care management," said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. "With that knowledge, we'll be able to develop education programs and interventions to help patients overcome barriers to adherence and improve their health."

Administered by Ipsos Public Affairs, the AKF study is gathering information from dialysis patients, social workers, dietitians, nephrologists, nurses and other health care providers. The first phase of the study used in-depth interviews with patients and kidney care professionals to identify and better understand potential barriers to adherence. The second phase of the study is a nationwide survey of a representative sample of nearly 1,200 dialysis patients and more than 350 kidney care professionals.

Burton noted that the results of the study, while specific to dialysis patients, may provide insights that can be applied to patients dealing with other chronic health conditions, as well. The study will also help medical professionals identify patients at high risk for adherence challenges, enabling them to intervene preemptively.

The study will be complete in mid-2016. AKF will release the study findings to the public and will use the information gathered to inform the development of new AKF educational programs and services that can help patients overcome barriers to adherence. 

For more information on the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.

About the American Kidney Fund
As the nation's leading nonprofit working on behalf of the 31 million Americans with kidney disease, the American Kidney Fund is dedicated to ensuring that every kidney patient has access to health care, and that every person at risk for kidney disease is empowered to prevent it. AKF provides a complete spectrum of programs and services: prevention outreach, top-rated health educational resources, and direct financial assistance enabling 1 in 5 U.S. dialysis patients to access lifesaving medical care, including dialysis and transplantation. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

About Ipsos
Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry. With a strong presence in 87 countries, Ipsos employs more than 16,000 people and has the ability to conduct research programs in more than 100 countries. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is controlled and managed by research professionals. They have built a solid group around a multi-specialist positioning—media and advertising research; marketing research; client and employee relationship management; opinion & social research; mobile, online, offline data collection and delivery. Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999.

SOURCE American Kidney Fund

Related Links

http://www.kidneyfund.org