Chronic Kidney Disease Patient-Oriented Research

Patients are front and center with an innovative research project to co-develop culturally appropriate teaching materials and tools for Indigenous people about the treatment options for failing kidneys.

Of all people in Saskatchewan on dialysis for kidney disease, approximately 50 per cent are Indigenous. This research project aims to give Indigenous people the tools they need to make the best choices possible about their health.

Benefits will include better patient knowledge about treatment options, improved family caregiver support, and the ability to make decisions earlier.

‘Knowledge is power’

The study started in 2016, and is expected to run until Dec. 31, 2020. It’s one of 14 projects organized by the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, a patient-oriented kidney research network supported in part by the Canadian Institute of Health Research.

The study is based in Saskatchewan, but as part of the Can-SOLVE CKD Network, its impact will be far reaching. The first community the researchers are working with in Saskatchewan is Île-à-la-Crosse. An important aspect of the research is that the team goes to the community to speak with the people there -- they’re working directly with the people impacted to co-develop the tools.

“Knowledge is power,” says Dr. Joanne Kappel, co-lead for the Saskatchewan portion of the study. “Once you have that knowledge, you make informed, and perhaps better, decisions.”

Research is also taking place in British Columbia and Ontario, with the hopes that the educational materials and tools produced will provide a suite of options for Indigenous populations and their caregivers across Canada.

Your help could change the future for Canadians with chronic kidney disease.

Donate online now, or for more information contact Aubree Worobetz, Major Gifts Officer at 306-655-5829 or email Aubree.Worobetz@sphfoundation.org