Improving decision-making for chronic kidney disease patients and their caregivers

An Optimization Trial of a Stakeholder-enhanced Intervention to Improve the Decisional Partnership of Chronic Kidney Disease Dyads (IMPART)

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT06173323

This study is testing a program to help patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease and their caregivers make better health decisions together.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT06173323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the decision-making skills of patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their caregivers through a structured intervention. Utilizing a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), 64 dyads will be randomized to receive various components of decision partnering training, which includes caregiver coaching and communication training. The goal is to empower both patients and caregivers to navigate health-related decisions more effectively, particularly in the context of CKD management and end-of-life choices. The intervention is designed to address the unique challenges faced by historically excluded populations, particularly Black CKD patients and their families.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a documented diagnosis of stage 4 chronic kidney disease who have an enrolled caregiver.

Not a fit: Patients receiving hospice care, dialysis, or those with severe mental illness or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the decision-making process and overall well-being of CKD patients and their caregivers.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been few interventions focusing on decision-making in CKD that include caregivers, this approach is innovative and aims to fill a significant gap in existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients

  1. Age ≥18;
  2. EMR documented diagnosis of stage 4 CKD (2 eGFR 29-15 within 90 days);
  3. Ability to speak and read English and complete baseline questionnaires;
  4. Patients must have an enrolled caregiver

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients

  1. Receiving hospice;
  2. Receiving dialysis;
  3. Medical record documentation of active unmedicated severe mental illness, moderate-severe dementia, suicidal ideation, uncorrected hearing loss, and active substance abuse.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Caregivers

  1. Age ≥18;
  2. Self-endorsing or identified by the patient as a relative, friend, or partner that has a close relationship with you and who assists you with your medical decisions and who may or may not live in the same residence as you and who is not paid for their help
  3. Caring for a patient with CKD;
  4. Ability to speak and read English and complete baseline questionnaires;
  5. Caregivers must have an enrolled patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Caregivers 1) Self-reported unmedicated mental illness, Moderate-severe dementia, active suicidal ideation, uncorrected hearing loss, or active substance abuse ascertained by scripted study introduction questioning.

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

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 Decision Making, SharedFamily CaregivingChronic Kidney Diseasechronic kidney diseaseshared decision makingfamily caregiving
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.