Helping older patients with kidney disease make treatment decisions

Improving Kidney Therapy Decision-Making for Older People With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Not applicable Interventional University of Rochester · NCT06410144

This study is testing which type of support helps older patients with kidney disease make better treatment choices, either through a kidney educator or a decision-support specialist.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment326 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Brockport, New York and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06410144 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine which educational program better assists older patients with chronic kidney disease in making informed treatment choices. Participants aged 75 and older will be divided into two groups, with one receiving information from the National Kidney Foundation and meetings with a kidney therapy educator, while the other will receive guidance from a decision-support specialist. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in reducing hospital visits and improving end-of-life care over a six-month period. The goal is to enhance the decision-making process for patients facing dialysis options.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 75 and above with advanced kidney disease and a kidney function of less than 30% who have not yet made a dialysis decision.

Not a fit: Patients who have already decided on dialysis or are currently on dialysis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could empower older patients with chronic kidney disease to make better-informed treatment decisions and improve their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel as it integrates palliative care into nephrology, focusing on decision-making for older patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 75 years old
* Has advanced kidney disease with kidney function less than 30%
* Speaks English
* Has not yet made a dialysis decision

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has already decided on dialysis or active medical care without dialysis.
* Has already been seen by a Palliative Care (PC) clinician for kidney-related issues or is enrolled in hospice
* Currently on dialysis
* Unable to provide informed consent or complete verbally administered surveys due to health, sensory, or cognitive impairment.

Where this trial is running

Brockport, New York and 4 other locations

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.
Conditions Chronic Kidney Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.