Development of proactive care model for patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4–5 to clinical outcomes and quality of life: an action research

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Patients with chronic kidney disease often struggle to control clinical symptoms and need help from the healthcare team. This study aimed to develop a proactive care model for stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease patients and investigate its effectiveness on their clinical outcomes and quality of life in Thailand. Methods The study was a comprehensive, collaborative effort conducted in North Thailand involving a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. This team, which included physicians, professional nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists from the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic at a secondary hospital, worked together to develop and implement a proactive care model for stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease patients. The research instruments used were a proactive care model for CKD stages 4–5 patients, the clinical outcomes assessment form, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and dependent t-tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results The proactive care model for patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4–5 consists of 1) a multidisciplinary team providing chronic kidney disease standards, 2) providing knowledge and counseling for behavior change, and 3) supporting self-management of patients with chronic kidney disease. After the experiment, mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean potassium were significantly lower than before, and Hematocrit significantly increased. In contrast, glomerular rate, fasting blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1C did not change after the intervention compared to before (p > .05). After the experiment, patients’ overall quality of life significantly increased. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the proactive care model for Chronic Kidney Disease stage 4–5 patients significantly improved clinical outcomes and profoundly impacted quality of life. Therefore, all components of the proactive care model should be applied, including working as a multidisciplinary team and helping patients adjust their behaviors and manage their health.