Abstract: SA-PO0917
From Reactive to Proactive: Patient-Driven Preventive Health Counseling in Nephrology
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Locastro, Marissa, UW Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Maursetter, Laura J., UW Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Background
Various preventative health interventions have been shown to slow progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, discussions about these topics are not routinely integrated into care. Previously, patients reported preventative health counseling takes place in 50% of nephrology clinic visits. We piloted a patient-driven intervention to increase the frequency of preventative health discussions.
Methods
We conducted a quality improvement (QI) study of a patient-driven intervention from 3/2026-4/2026. To prompt discussion, we implemented a worksheet that provided clinicians with information about a patient's current lifestyle habits. The patients were instructed to hand the worksheet to their nephrologist during their visit. The tool showed patient responses about various preventative health measures and nephrologists were able to counsel, as applicable. After the visit, patients were asked (yes/no) if the following preventative health topics were discussed at their clinic visit: exercise, diet, weight loss, sodium, potassium, water consumption. Responses were compared to a prior collection where patients were asked the same questions post-clinic visit, without intervention (usual care). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Chi-square analysis was used to compare results across the two studies. Given the QI nature of our study, demographic and clinical characteristic were not collected.
Results
Fifty patients were included in this intervention and compared to a previous cohort of 311 patients who provided the quality gap. Prior to their visit, 80% of patients self-reported kidney disease and 52% reported they are NOT on medications for their kidneys. After their visit, majority of patients reported that their clinician discussed their kidney disease (92%), preventative health in general (88%), and medications related to their kidneys (90%). Compared to usual care, the frequency of discussions around exercise (64% vs 52%, p=0.09), diet (70% vs 61%, p=0.15), weight loss (52% vs 40%, p=0.10), sodium (64% vs 51%, p=0.06), potassium (62% vs 27%, p<0.05), and water (66% vs 42%, p<0.05) numerically increased, with a significant increase for potassium and water counseling.
Conclusion
Patient-driven interventions can increase the frequency of preventative health counseling in routine CKD care. Future work includes scaling to a larger group to decrease the gap with usual care.