Exploring Patient Needs and Preferences in Chronic Kidney Disease Education: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite efforts to educate individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and thereby improve outcomes, studies have shown that a significant number of patients still report poor CKD knowledge. Thus, understanding patient needs and preferences is crucial for the development and implementation of an effective CKD educational program.

METHODS: A paper survey was distributed to CKD patients ≥ 21 years at a tertiary care hospital's outpatient nephrology clinic in Rochester, New York. Data on patient demographics, print and technological literacies, and preferences regarding topics, instructors, class formats, session frequency, duration, and peer support were gathered.

RESULTS: Of the 337 patients, the mean age was 65 years (± 12.33 years), and the self-identified races were: American Indian or Alaska Native (<1%), Asian (3%), Black or African American (12.17%), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (<1%), White (83%), and Other (2%). Most patients (69%) never needed help with health instructions and 68% of patients used a smartphone or computer everyday. Key topics identified by patients included the definitions of CKD, creatinine, GFR and kidney diet. 73% of patients desired more than basic CKD information with 1 in 5 even wanting to know "everything a doctor knows." 46% were willing to attend classes and 33% preferred using digital (video, computer, smartphone) modalities. Patients were willing to attend an average of 3.6 classes and, most preferred hour-long classes. Most patients (46%) preferred a doctor as educator and 53% expressed interest in connecting with fellow patients for peer support.

CONCLUSION: Most CKD patients are interested in comprehensive education about their disease. This research may offer insights into the optimal content and delivery of CKD educational programs by elaborating on patients' needs and the integration of online modalities to deliver content. Future person-centered educational programs for people with CKD are needed.