UK survey of patient and caregiver perspectives on the impact of chronic kidney disease-associated anaemia

Abstract

Objective Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated anaemia has substantial biopsychosocial impacts. This study explores the impact of CKD-associated anaemia and treatment preferences from the patient perspective.Design Cross-sectional survey.Setting Anonymised online survey implemented by Ipsos UK on behalf of the National Kidney Federation and GSK from October 2022 to January 2023.Participants Data were collected from UK adults living with CKD (self-reported).Primary and secondary outcome measures Outcome measures were exploratory and not predefined. The cross-sectional survey was designed to explore the biopsychosocial impact of living with anaemia on individuals with CKD; their unmet needs; the treatment strategies typically implemented and the associated barriers/facilitators to adherence; the healthcare professional–patient relationship with regard to anaemia diagnosis and management.Results Of 101 participants, 90 (89%) were patients with CKD and 11 (11%) were informal carers. 96 (95%) participants reported symptom(s) relevant to their experience of CKD. 88 (87%) participants reported symptom(s) associated with anaemia and 61 (64%) expressed an impact on daily life including 18 (19%) unable to perform daily activities, 13 (14%) unable to go to work and 9 (9%) reporting poor social life/interactions. 85 (84%) participants reported they have received treatment for anaemia: intravenous iron (n=55, 54%), iron tablets (n=29, 29%), erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) via an autoinjector (n=28, 28%), ESA injections via a syringe (n=24, 24%), ESA injections via a dialysis machine (n=17, 17%), folic acid (n=22, 22%) and blood transfusion (n=17, 17%). Six of seven (86%) participants who received their ESA from a healthcare professional at home preferred injections whereas 13/27 (48%) participants who injected themselves at home preferred oral tablets.Conclusions There is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to the management of CKD-associated anaemia. A personalised approach incorporating the treatment preferences of the individual should be explored when discussing treatment options.