BTG - Kidney disease and mental health: Bridging The Gap
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is more common in patients with mental health difficulties, even after accounting for risk factors like medication, socio-economic status, and smoking. Dialysis and kidney transplantation, while life-saving, significantly impact patients’ mental and emotional well-being. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients experience distress due to treatment demands, reduced cognitive and physical function, and lifestyle changes. Studies have shown that depression rates in ESKD patients are four times higher than in the general population. However, severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in kidney patients remain under-researched.
This study aims to bridge this gap by linking South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) data with the Renalware database from King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH). By analysing this linked dataset, the study will assess the prevalence of mental health conditions among kidney patients, differences in healthcare access, and variations in health outcomes between those with and without severe mental health disorders.
The study involves the extraction of anonymised demographic, clinical, and psychiatric data, ensuring data security through NHS number encryption and storage in a Trusted Research Environment at Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre. The findings will provide insights into disparities in care and inform strategies for better support and management of kidney patients with mental health difficulties.
Aims
- To create a new dataset linking SLAM and Renalware databases.
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of mental health difficulties in kidney disease patients.
- To evaluate differences in healthcare access and health outcomes between kidney patients with and without severe mental health difficulties.
Methods
- Trial Design: Data linkage study.
- Setting: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) and Renalware database at King’s College Hospital.
- Population: Adults (18+) with kidney disease.
- Inclusion Criteria: Presence of kidney disease.
- Exclusion Criteria: Under 18 years, no recorded kidney disease.
- Primary Outcome: Rates of mental health difficulties in kidney disease patients.
- Secondary Outcomes: Healthcare service utilisation and health outcomes.
Trials Design
Data linkage study.
Summary of Findings
The study is ongoing, but early insights suggest a higher prevalence of mental health conditions in kidney patients than previously recognised. The study will clarify differences in healthcare access and outcomes.
Impact
Findings will inform clinical practice by identifying barriers to care and potential interventions to improve mental health support for kidney patients.
Principal Investigator
Professor of Nephrology and Obstetric Medicine