Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO1134

Advanced CKD Veterans' Perspectives on Ideal KRT-Targeted Educational Modalities

Session Information

• CKD: Patient-Oriented Care and Case Reports
  October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

• 2302 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Clinical, Outcomes, and Trials

Authors

• Ftouni, Darin, VA North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, United States

Darin Ftouni, MD

• Campbell-Montalvo, Rebecca, VA North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, United States

Rebecca Campbell-Montalvo, PhD

• Subhash, Shobha, VA North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, United States

Shobha Subhash, MPH

• Shell, Popy, VA North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, United States

Popy Shell, MPH

• Pearce, Kailyn, VA North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, United States

Kailyn Pearce, MPH

• Shukla, Ashutosh M., VA North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, Florida, United States

Ashutosh M. Shukla, MD, FASN

Background

Awareness of KRT and KRT-targeted kidney disease education (KDE) is a necessity for informed dialysis selection for advanced CKD patients. We currently lack clear understandings of these patients’ preferences for receiving such KDE.

Methods

Approaching enrollees for the ongoing mixed-method randomized Trial to evaluate and assess the impact of Comprehensive KRT-directed KDE on home dialysis among Veterans (TEACH-VET), we evaluated advanced CKD Veterans’ preferences for the resources and methods for receiving KDE. Qualitative interviews were conducted using a structured interview guide grounded in theoretical domains framework. We oversampled women and individuals from racial/ethnic minorities to ensure broad applicability of findings. In addition to emergent themes related to KDE’s influence on lack/gaps in knowledge, thematic analysis also focused on participant views on the preferential forms of future KDE dissemination.

Results

We enrolled 42 Veterans with advanced stage 4 and 5 CKD – 7(17%) women,13(31%) African Americans,1 Asian and 2 Latinx individuals. Most (n=32, 79%) had some college education, 60% were married, 26% divorced, and 69% retired; 60% lived with one other person and 24% lived alone. Forty-one provided education modality preferences and engaged in further discussions. Qualitative analysis revealed key social-psychological mechanisms influencing patients' KDE choices. A majority (80%) preferred receiving KDE from the providers. Individual concerns, such as psychological, social anxiety, ease of access, etc., were identified as key factors deterring patients from participating in group sessions, though, 2/3^rd (66%) preferring this mode. Peer-Veteran supported KDE was among the least preferred method, with 44% of advanced CKD interviewees rejecting this method. Internet and phone apps were popular with 49% of veterans. Veterans’ preferred methods for education provision were audio, podcasts, and video recordings, with an overall 85% interest rate.

Conclusion

This analysis provides a crucial insight into Veterans’ preferences for KRT-directed KDE. Veterans have a strong preference for audio, podcasts, and video recordings as well as provider-delivered KDE. These results highlight the need for ongoing efforts to better understand and optimize KRT-directed KDE, guided by patients’ own preferences.

Funding

• Veterans Affairs Support