Experience of Young Adult Kidney Patients Requiring Haemodialysis

This study has been designed with individuals with lived experience of kidney disease and is a mixed methods study. The aim is to explore experiences of young adults (16-30) receiving haemodialysis in a centre or in a hospital, to understand barriers to opportunities for social interaction and to develop co-produced resources to address social isolation in the dialysis setting.

This aim of this study is to give a voice to young adults who are receiving haemodialysis in a centre or hospital setting.

There will be 3 parts to this study:

1. What is the support for young adults on haemodialysis. A survey will be sent out to all of the haemodialysis units to find out about support for young adults. Young adults who have had haemodialysis in a unit will be asked about their experiences. We will ask if they feel lonely or social isolated. 2. To explore the experiences of young adults on haemodialysis. We will have focus groups and interviews with young adults and ask them about experiencing haemodialysis in a unit. Young adults from diverse backgrounds will be recruited. This is to make sure that the recommendations and resources are meeting the needs of all young adults. 3. Develop recommendation and resources for young adults on haemodialysis. A workshop with young adults and individuals with experience of haemodialysis. Will be held. Resources and recommendations, for improving the experience of young adults on haemodialysis will be developed. Interventions for implementing will be discussed as well. This will be a face-to-face workshop but with if useful people can attend virtually.

This study is an opportunity to help change or improve young adults experience in the future. Having haemodialysis as a young adult shouldn't make a person feel lonely or isolated.