Research can create better futures for people on dialysis, those who care for them in clinics and those who care for them at home. However, many aspects of dialysis research can be improved. Diverse dialysis stakeholders have identified increasing research knowledge among patients and clinic personnel as key to fostering research ready clinic cultures.

To help promote research readiness in dialysis clinics, Dr. Jenny Flythe and an interdisciplinary research team developed a 9-minute video to teach patients and clinical staff about research and generate enthusiasm about dialysis research. The video features a dialysis patient and nurse and its content was informed by input from over 75 stakeholders, including almost 30 patients and care partners. The video answers such questions as "What is research?", "How do researchers keep study participants safe?" and "Why might I want to participate in research?"

Potential Uses for the Video:

In dialysis clinics, the video might be shown on screens at dialysis treatment stations prior to the start of a new research study. Clinics can also show the video in clinic lobbies, holding "lobby days" for patients to ask researchers, medical providers and clinic personnel questions about research in general or specific studies. It can also be used in clinical staff meetings to teach research basics, or made available for home therapies patients and their care partners to watch at home.

For researchers, the video can help dialysis clinic personnel prepare for facilitating research studies. It can be used as a conversation tool for interested research participants to discuss research perceptions and study information. Medical providers may also find it helpful, to learn basics that enable them to promote research interest among patients.

The video can be a valuable industry resource made available on corporate websites so that all stakeholders can understand research from the patient or clinic personnel point of view. It can also be a tool for promoting research at industry-sponsored conferences or workshops.

Video funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Engagement Award #3253.

Learn more about the production of this video, the research team, and access the transcript at unckidneycenter.org.