Early home-based group education to support informed decision-making among patients with end-stage renal disease: a multi-centre randomized controlled trial.
Massey EK, Gregoor PJHS, et al.Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 2016; 31(5): 823-830.
Aims
To test the effectiveness of an early home-based group education programme on decision making among patients about to undergo renal replacement therapy (RRT).
Interventions
Participants were randomly assigned to first receive either the group education intervention, or control (weeks 1-4), subsequently changing to the other condition after 4 weeks (weeks 5-8).
Participants
80 patients aged >18 years with primary RRT required within the coming 12 months.
Outcomes
The primary outcomes measured were knowledge and communication. Other outcomes measured were communication intention, subjective and moral norm, perceived behaviour control, eligibility for living donation, attitude and anticipated effect.
Follow-up
2 years
CET Conclusions
This is an interesting cross-over randomised controlled trial of a social worker-lead, home-based group education programme to increase knowledge and communication in predialysis patients. The intervention consisted of an individual consultation in which the patient selected the friends and family members to be invited for the group session. During the group session held in the patient’s home all aspects of renal replacement therapy including living donation were discussed. The intervention was given in addition to standard pre-dialysis care. The report did not include a sample size calculation but 80 participants were randomised of whom none were lost during the follow-up. Following the intervention knowledge and communication increased significantly. There was also a significant increase in knowledge and frequency of communication among attendees of the group session.
Data analysis
Strict intention-to-treat analysis
Trial registration
Dutch Trial Registry - NTR2733