Advance care planning (ACP) is critical for patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, ACP rates are low among ESKD patients, and conversations tend to occur late in acute care settings. My Voice-Renal, a web-based intervention, is tailored for patients with ESKD on dialysis and their family caregivers. It supports education on ESKD and dialysis, enables users to reflect on values and understand care options when dialysis becomes difficult to tolerate, and prepares patients and caregivers for ACP conversations broadly and on future dialysis decisions.
The study aims to implement My Voice in the care pathway, test its preliminary efficacy, and assess feasibility and acceptability. A mixed-methods design includes a 2-arm cluster randomised controlled trial and qualitative feedback across six National Kidney Foundation (NKF) dialysis centres. Outcomes will evaluate quality of serious illness conversations, ACP engagement, preparedness for end of life, knowledge and peace. Acceptability will be assessed qualitatively through in-depth interviews with patients, caregivers, and renal healthcare providers.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Chandrika Ramakrishnan
Research Fellow, Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School