Exploring understanding and experience of social prescribing for people with kidney disease: a mixed methods study

Aim: This study aims to explore the understanding and experience of social prescribing to support health and wellbeing in adults living with kidney disease throughout the UK.

Background: People living with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant can experience social and emotional challenges which impact their quality of life and mental wellbeing. They are at greater risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and social isolation than the general population, and there is a lack of psychosocial support available. There is little evidence in the field of SP for people living with kidney disease, and further research is required to determine if SP has the potential to provide a holistic approach to care, as required by people living with a complex, long-term condition such as chronic kidney disease.

Methods: Four-phase sequential exploratory mixed methods design; (1) scoping review of SP for adults with long-term conditions, (2) interview people with kidney disease, renal HCPs, link workers, and community organisations, (3) UK-wide survey of people with kidney disease and renal HCPs, (4) identify recommendations to support implementation of SP for this patient population.

Conclusion: The protocol for the ongoing study will be presented. This study will explore the experience of SP and need for holistic approaches to care for people living with kidney disease, renal healthcare professionals, link workers, and organisations providing community-based activities, and will identify the current knowledge and understanding of SP for people living with kidney disease, and healthcare professionals who provide care to this patient population. The results will inform future implementation of social prescribing approaches to support the health and wellbeing of people with kidney disease.