Kidney Health 4 Life
Kidney
Health Australia has launched a research study to assess the effectiveness of
Kidney Health 4 Life, a pilot program designed to help people with kidney
disease to self-manage their condition.
About KH4L
What is Kidney Health 4 Life?
Kidney Health 4 Life is a pilot program tailored for people at different stages of kidney disease to self-manage their condition.
Why a research study?
The research study will evaluate the effectiveness of the program in supporting people to self-manage their conditions.
The research study will be wrapping up mid-year and those participating in the full program groups will complete their activities. People assigned to the standard support groups will have access to the full program until September as a thank you for their participation. Results from the study will be analysed and used to inform further program development. We thank everyone who has participated in the study – their contribution has been invaluable in helping us shape future support for people affected by kidney disease.
We are no longer accepting EOIs into the KH4L research study. If you are looking for support, please call our Kidney Helpline on 1800 454 363 and we’d be happy to provide information on our current services and programs. Alternatively, head to the ‘Ways We Help‘ page on our website.
FAQ
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What is the pilot program about?
The Kidney Health 4 Life Program is a pilot program to help people with kidney disease to better manage their condition and overall health, particularly during difficult transition points such as being newly diagnosed or starting a new treatment such as dialysis.
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Why is Kidney Health Australia running the pilot?
Our aim as an organization is to help people with kidney disease live their best life. This means being well informed about their condition and how to manage it, and ensuring there is good support and resources for optimizing their quality of life.
We conducted research in 2022, and our community told us that they felt overwhelmed and unsupported when they were first diagnosed with kidney disease. In addition, they were often left without a comprehensive understanding of their disease or knowledge of how to manage their day-to-day life. Our community said that commencing dialysis treatment for kidney disease took an enormous toll on their physical and mental health.
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What is the research study assessing?
Researchers will determine if the KH4L program is effective in helping people with their self-management skills by comparing the results of the KH4L group and standard support group.
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How exactly does the research study work?
After enrolling and consenting into the research study, participants will complete the first questionnaire. Once this has been submitted, you will then be randomly allocated into either one of two groups:
1. Kidney Health 4 Life Program Group
2. Standard Support GroupDepending on your group allocation, you will receive access to different content.
KH4L Program Group
Participants allocated into the Kidney Health 4 Life Program Group will receive access to the 6-week KH4L program. The program contains weekly online modules covering different topics relevant to your disease stage that aim to assist you with self-management of your condition. You will also be offered telephone health coaching and participation in group activities.At the end of the six-week program, participants will be required to complete a follow up questionnaire.
Participants will then be required to complete one final questionnaire, 12-weeks after the program has been completed.
During this time, participants will still have access to the program’s resources and will also receive follow up emails to reiterate knowledge learned and what’s available to participants. You will also have access to Kidney Health Australia’s resources and support services.
Standard Support
Participants allocated into the standard support group will have access to all existing Kidney Health Australia resources and support programs, including the Kidney Helpline, resource hub and Kidney Buddy peer support program. Participants in the standard support group will also receive a phone call.At the end of the six-weeks, participants will be required to complete a follow up questionnaire.
Participants will then be required to complete one final questionnaire, 12-weeks after the program has been completed.
After the study has been completed, participants will be offered access to the KH4L online modules.
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What is a pilot program?
A pilot program refers to the small-scale implementation of a new idea, concept, product or service. It serves as a preliminary trial or test phase to assess the effectiveness of the proposed initiative before it is implemented on a larger scale.