Kidney Wales and Aston University launch new research into chronic kidney disease and financial wellbeing
A new research project funded by Kidney Wales and led by Aston University will explore how chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects people’s financial wellbeing, employment and day-to-day lives.
Living with CKD can bring significant challenges beyond healthcare. Many people experience changes to their ability to work, increased household expenses and concerns about managing finances alongside their condition. While these issues are regularly raised by patients and families, there has been limited research examining the financial impact of CKD in detail.
The new study will focus on people of working age living with CKD (18-65 years old), as well as parents and carers of young people affected by the condition. Researchers will explore how kidney disease influences employment, income, financial resilience and everyday costs, helping to build a clearer picture of the support people need
The collaboration brings together Aston University’s expertise in kidney health inequalities with the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing’s knowledge of financial resilience and wellbeing. By combining these areas of expertise, the research aims to generate evidence that can help improve support across health services, charities and wider advice services.
The project has been prioritised by patients and carers and will place lived experience at its heart throughout the research process.
Ross Evans, Chief Executive of Kidney Wales, said:
“We know from speaking with people across the kidney community in Wales that the financial impact of chronic kidney disease can be significant, affecting employment, household finances and daily living. This research is an important opportunity to better understand those experiences and identify how health services, charities and support organisations can work together to provide more effective support for people affected by CKD in the future.”
Professor Shivani Sharma, who is leading the research, added:
“Charities have long heard from people with CKD that financial strain often sits alongside health concerns. This research will bring those experiences together to understand what support people need, and how health and wider services can respond most effectively.”
Kidney Wales is proud to support research that addresses the wider challenges faced by people living with kidney disease. The findings from this project will help inform future support services and strengthen understanding of the relationship between long-term health conditions and financial wellbeing.
Interested in taking part?
Further information about the study, including opportunities to participate, can be found by completing the short questionnaire at the link below or contacting Rachel Don Bosco, [email protected]
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/aston/chronic-kidney-disease-and-financial-wellbeing
