Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO1033

Pilot Data from a Community Health Worker Intervention for Patients on Hemodialysis

Session Information

• Social, Environmental, and Economic Determinants of Kidney Health
  October 25, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health

• 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health

Authors

• Novick, Tessa Kimberly, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas, United States

Tessa Kimberly Novick, MD, MS, MSW

• Giraldo, David A., The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas, United States

David A. Giraldo

• Osuna-Diaz, Michelle Marie, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas, United States

Michelle Marie Osuna-Diaz

• Jacobs, Elizabeth, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas, United States

Elizabeth Jacobs, MD

• Crews, Deidra C., Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Deidra C. Crews, MD, ScM, FASN

Background

Health-related social needs, such as housing and food insecurity, are common among hemodialysis patients. Social needs are associated with worse outcomes and pose barriers to care. Community-health worker (CHW) interventions have been successful at addressing social needs in other populations.

Methods

We piloted a single-arm, two-month CHW intervention for in-center hemodialysis patients who were eligible for Medicaid at three dialysis facilities in Austin, Texas. Objectives were to determine (1) the feasibility and acceptability of using a CHW to improve community resource navigation to social needs assistance, and (2) how measures of treatment attendance, patient reported stress, and mental health and clinical parameters performed in this population.

Results

Of the 17 enrolled participants to date, mean (SD) age was 56 (9) years, 67% were male, 50% identified as Black, 50% as Hispanic, 100% reported annual income <$25,000, and health related social needs were high (70%, 65%, 47%, and 24% reported housing, food, transportation and utility needs, respectively). Baseline hemodialysis treatment attendance, mental health, and clinical parameters were poor (Figure). All eligible patients approached agreed to participate, however CHW case load and burden of participants’social needs necessitated slowing the pace of enrollment.

Conclusion

Social needs were prominent among hemodialysis patients with low socioeconomic status and were associated with mental health concerns and emotional distress, supporting the importance of developing interventions to address them.

Funding

• NIDDK Support