RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

INCLUDE-CKD: INCLUsive Digital carE for Chronic Kidney Disease

This study, called INCLUDE-CKD, is looking at how a digital tool called MyRenalCare helps people living with chronic kidney disease. It's not testing a new medicine, but rather observing how people use an existing app. Researchers want to find out who uses MyRenalCare, how regularly they use it, and if it makes a positive difference to their health. They also want to see if the app helps reduce healthcare costs and supports environmental sustainability. The aim is to get a better understanding of how digital tools can support people with long-term kidney conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

12 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Chronic Kidney Disease

What is this study about?

This study, named INCLUDE-CKD, is designed to understand the real-world impact of a digital service called MyRenalCare for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Instead of trying out a new treatment, researchers are carefully observing how people are already using this app. This is important because digital health tools are becoming more common, and understanding how they work in practice can help improve care for many people.

The main goal is to gather facts about who uses MyRenalCare, how often and whether it helps them manage their condition. The study will also look at whether the app can help make healthcare more affordable by potentially reducing hospital visits or other treatments, and if it has any positive effects on the environment. By collecting this information, the study hopes to provide valuable insights into how digital healthcare can best support patients with CKD.

Ultimately, this research aims to build a clearer picture of how digital tools like MyRenalCare fit into managing chronic kidney disease. The information collected could help doctors and healthcare providers understand how to use these types of apps more effectively to support patients in the UK and potentially beyond.

Key takeaways

It's about understanding how a digital app helps people with kidney disease.
No new treatments or medicines are involved.
Researchers are observing app use and health information.
It aims to improve future kidney care.
Your personal data will be kept private and secure.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for several groups of people aged 18 or older who are receiving care for their kidney disease at the Wessex Kidney Centre. One group includes people who are already using or have been offered the MyRenalCare app. If you're in this group, you'll need to understand the study information and agree for your health data to be used for research.

Another group includes people who are also cared for at the Wessex Kidney Centre for kidney disease but have never used the MyRenalCare app. These individuals will be compared to the app users to understand the differences. The study will use their existing health information, which is already stored securely in their medical records.

Finally, some people using MyRenalCare will be invited for an interview. If you're asked, you'll need to be 18 or over, be able to understand spoken and written English, and be willing to give written permission for a recorded chat about your experiences with the app.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you receive care for your kidney disease at the Wessex Kidney Centre?
Are you currently using or have you been offered the MyRenalCare app?
Are you able to understand study information and agree to your data being used for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is not a study where you will receive new medication or treatments. Instead, it's an observational study, which means researchers will look at information that is already being collected during your routine care or through your use of the MyRenalCare app. If you are using MyRenalCare, the study will simply observe how you use the app. For some participants, this involves looking back at past records, while for others, it will involve observing data as it's collected over time. If you're asked to take part in an interview, it would involve a recorded conversation about your experiences. The total duration of your 'participation' mostly involves allowing researchers to use existing de-identified data.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study is mostly looking at information that's already gathered, there are very few direct risks. Your personal information will be protected, and your care won't change. The potential benefits include helping healthcare providers better understand how digital tools can support people with kidney disease, which could lead to improved services in the future. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used for research at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Portsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is MyRenalCare?

MyRenalCare is a digital app designed to help people manage their chronic kidney disease.

Am I being given a new medicine?

No, this study is not about new medicines. It's looking at how an existing digital app is used.

Will my care change if I join?

No, your medical care will not change if you participate in this study.

Who can take part?

Adults (18+) with chronic kidney disease, cared for at the Wessex Kidney Centre, who either use MyRenalCare or don't.

Is my information safe?

Yes, your personal and health information will be handled with strict privacy and kept confidential.

How to find out more

Sam Newman

sam.newman6@nhs.net +442392286000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.