Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO1002

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Decision Aid for Pregnancy and Contraceptive Counseling in Nephrology Clinics

Session Information

• Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
  October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Women's Health and Kidney Diseases

• 2100 Women's Health and Kidney Diseases

Authors

• Oliverio, Andrea L., University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Andrea L. Oliverio, MD, MS, MSc

• Brophy, Kelcie, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Kelcie Brophy

• Troost, Jonathan P., University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Jonathan P. Troost, PhD

• Perry, Lydia, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Lydia Perry

• Hladunewich, Michelle A., Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Michelle A. Hladunewich, MD, MS, FASN

• Hawley, Sarah, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Sarah Hawley, PhD, MPH

• Wright Nunes, Julie A., University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Julie A. Wright Nunes, MD, MPH

Background

Family planning counseling has specific nuances relevant to CKD including possible adverse pregnancy outcomes, teratogenic medications, and contraindications to some contraceptive methods. People with CKD often feel uninformed about their reproductive health and nephrologists lack confidence counseling on pregnancy and contraception. We tested the novel Pregnancy and Contraception Education in CKD decision aid (PACE-CKD DA) for feasibility and acceptability among patients and nephrologists to support this care.

Methods

We randomized 4 nephrology clinics in a two-arm parallel cluster-randomized trial. Eligible patients were female sex assigned at birth, 18-45 years, able to speak/write English, and had CKD Stage I-V. Surgically sterilized or currently pregnant patients were excluded. Patients received the novel PACE-CKD DA or a simple educational handout according to clinic randomization and were instructed to review the materials before and during their visit. Surveys were completed following participation. Chi-squared tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests compared patient feasibility and acceptability by arm; descriptive statistics summarized nephrologist survey responses.

Results

62 patients completed the study. 76% self-identified as white, 13% Black, 3% Asian, 10% Hispanic. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the two arms. Patients found the PACE-CKD DA more useful than the control handout and were more likely to discuss pregnancy planning and contraception with their nephrologist; nephrologists found the PACE-CKD DA easy to use and would use it again (Table 1).

Conclusion

The PACE-CKD DA is feasible to integrate in routine nephrology care, acceptable to patients and nephrologists, and increases the frequency of reproductive health counseling.

Funding

• NIDDK Support