Education program to improve home dialysis use in Veterans with kidney disease

A Patient-centered, System-based Approach to Improve Informed Dialysis Choice and Outcomes in Veterans With CKD

NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04064086

This study is testing an education program to help Veterans with kidney disease understand their treatment options better and encourage them to consider home dialysis before they need it.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment544 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development (fed)
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT04064086 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to address the lack of awareness and education among Veterans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) regarding their condition and treatment options. By implementing a comprehensive pre-end stage renal disease (ESRD) education program, the researchers hope to enhance Veterans' understanding of CKD and empower them to make informed choices about their dialysis options, particularly promoting the use of home dialysis. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this educational intervention in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with CKD and ESRD management. It targets Veterans who are at advanced stages of CKD but not yet on dialysis, providing them with the necessary resources to make informed decisions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans aged 18 and older with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 4 or 5) who are not currently on dialysis.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include non-English speakers, those with diagnosed dementia, or Veterans with a life expectancy of less than six months.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the use of home dialysis among Veterans, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous reports from Europe and Canada indicate that comprehensive pre-ESRD education has successfully improved CKD care and informed dialysis choices, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veterans registered to receive healthcare from the NF/SG VHS
* 18 years or older
* Advanced CKD (stage 4 or 5) and not on dialysis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speakers
* Veterans who are homeless or living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes
* Veterans with diagnosed dementia
* Veterans with the life-expectancy less than 6 months
* Any additional special concerns of a Veteran's provider

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Kidney Disease, End Stage Renal Disease, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Chronic kidney disease, Pre-dialysis education, Kidney Disease Education, Patient Education

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.