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Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-OR019

Qualitative Assessment of an Online Peer Mentoring Platform for Patients with CKD

Session Information

Category: Chronic Kidney Disease (Non-Dialysis)

  • 306 CKD: Cognitive Dysfunction, Depression, Quality of Life

Authors

  • Ammar, Awais, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Morrow-Sutton, Mary, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Semancik, Tabitha, Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Liaghat, Tara, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Farooq, Umar, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Ghahramani, Nasrollah, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
Background

Peer mentoring (PM) is an effective model for patients with the same chronic disease to share knowledge and experience to which others often cannot relate. PM occurs in various settings, including face-to-face, via telephone or online. This study is a qualitative assessment of the communications in an online PM platform designed for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Twenty-one patients were assigned to trained peer mentors with whom they had regular online communication in a PM relationship. The interactive online platform allowed patients to post their concerns and questions about specific symptoms or treatment decisions through a private network. Patients used an intuitive user interface, utilizing mood and symptom icons, to indicate their current status. The program coordinator monitored the patients’ and mentors’ updated posts. Stress Score (SS: 1-10), as subjectively indicated by the patients, were used to quantitatively assess the severity of their concerns.

Results

A total of 213 posts, initiated by 21 patients, were included in the analysis. The posts were categorized into 15 general topic areas. The largest number of posts (n=34) related to family relationship concerns, followed by posts regarding weakness and lack of energy (n=25), weight change (n=19), overall prognosis (n=18) and financial stressors (n=16). Quantitatively, the most stressful concerns related to financial matters (SS: 7/10) and family relationships (SS: 6.5/10).

Conclusion

Patients communicate with their peers via an online platform regarding a variety of concerns and questions. Concerns about finances and family relationships form a significant aspect of the communication. These findings underscore the patients’ concern about the impact of their disease on their families.
Funding source: Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Funding

  • Other U.S. Government Support