Dialysis Stakeholder Workshop 2018

Workshop Overview

In May 2018, Dr. Flythe and her research team convened a PCORI-sponsored national workshop for dialysis stakeholders entitled, Building Research Capacity in the Dialysis Community at the Local Level. The workshop was the first of its kind to focus on the research capacity of local dialysis clinics. Workshop sessions facilitated discussion of the benefits and realities of incorporating research into routine dialysis care delivery. Participants collaboratively identified facilitators of and barriers to research performance in local dialysis clinics. The workshop brought together stakeholders from many positions in the dialysis delivery system including patients, care partners, clinic staff members, medical providers, corporate dialysis organization representatives, and researchers. The workshop was held on May 9-10, 2018 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Published workshop final report

Workshop Reflections From a Patient Stakeholder

David White, a kidney transplant recipient and former in-center hemodialysis patient, reflected on his experience and lessons learned during the workshop in his article, “Reflections on my Experience at the Building Research Capacity in the Dialysis Community at the Local Level Workshop” (National Kidney Foundation, July 2, 2018).

Executive Summary

Audience participation during the research showcase.

This report summarizes findings from the PCORI-funded workshop, “Building Research Capacity in the Dialysis Community at the Local Level,” held in Durham, NC May 9-10, 2018. The workshop included over 70 diverse dialysis stakeholders (patients, care partners, dialysis clinic personnel, medical providers, corporate dialysis organization representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders). The stakeholders came together to: 1) discuss facilitators and barriers to research facilitation and conduction in the dialysis setting, and 2) identify opportunities for improving the research capacity of dialysis clinics.

Key Findings

Barriers to Research Readiness in Dialysis Clinics

Participants noted several barriers to research implementation related to current research culture and processes in dialysis clinics that impede research readiness.

Cultural barriers

Break-out session posters on promoting research-ready dialysis clinic cultures.

Limited study relevance due to misaligned researcher and patient priorities;
Mistrust of research and researchers among patients and clinic personnel;
Lack of enthusiasm for research among clinic personnel;
Lack of research education and training for clinic personnel;
Absence of clearly articulated or tangible incentives for dialysis organizations and clinics to participate in research; and
Lack of ongoing communication between research teams, clinics, and patients, including dissemination of study updates and results.

Procedural barriers

Competing demands for clinic personnel time, including regulatory requirements for care delivery (the primary mission of a dialysis clinic);
Failure to engage patients and clinics in study design to assess importance, relevance, interest, and potential impact;
Failure to design research protocols that minimize the impact of research participation on dialysis clinic care processes and patients’ lives;
Lack of a clear pathway for researchers to collaborate with dialysis organizations and clinics in the development of research protocols;
Lack of researcher understanding and consideration of regulations that dialysis clinics must follow during study design and implementation;
Misalignment between the research protocols and expectations, and the day-to-day realities of operating a dialysis clinic; and
Lack of iterative feedback on study results or follow-up information from researchers.

Promising Opportunities for Overcoming Barriers and Promoting Research Readiness in Dialysis Clinics

Stakeholders identified the following key opportunities for interdisciplinary and patient-centered efforts to improve research culture and processes in dialysis clinics:

Improving Culture

Providing ongoing educational training and resources for patients and clinic personnel delivered in multiple formats, using plain language;
Increasing awareness of corporate policies and procedures regarding research conduct within dialysis clinics; and
Identifying a “champion” at each level – patient, dialysis clinic, dialysis organization, researcher, etc. – to create buy-in, engage patients and personnel, and share information.

Improving Processes

Dialysis Research video star and animator socialize at the opening dinner.

Seamlessly integrating research within the existing treatment environment by designing study implementation processes that reduce burden on clinic personnel and patients;
Providing regular and timely updates on research project progress to clinic personnel and patients to maintain momentum and engagement;
Engaging multiple stakeholders early during study design to ensure acceptability, feasibility, and relevance;
Developing a unifying set of broad guidelines and best practices for research design and implementation in dialysis clinics; and
Enhancing communication to strengthen relationships between dialysis organizations, clinics, researchers, and patients.

Conclusions

Improving research readiness and capacity in the dialysis setting requires an overarching strategic vision that bridges silos and fosters interdisciplinary partnerships. This workshop was the first of its kind, to our knowledge, to bring such a diverse group of stakeholders together to discuss barriers throughout the research process, and collaboratively identify specific, actionable, and feasible solutions for addressing them. This workshop represents a necessary first step toward advancing dialysis research capacity with the ultimate goal of improving clinical outcomes and patient experiences among individuals receiving dialysis.

Next Steps

Develop a manuscript summarizing complete workshop findings;
Develop a project proposal focused on dialysis research best practices and standardized research tools for the Kidney Health Initiative; and
Collaborate with dialysis provider organizations to: a) develop a better understanding of the relationship between researchers and providers and b) create a formal means of communication with the goal of facilitating the conduct of research in dialysis clinics.

Thank You

Thank you to all the workshop participants for your time and active participation. Your valuable contributions have started an important conversation about improving research readiness and capacity in the dialysis community.

2018 Workshop Agenda

2018 Workshop Attendees