Improving the Care of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Using Group Visits: A Pilot Study to Reflect an Emphasis on the Patients Rather Than the Disease

This two-group, repeated-measures experimental study assessed the efficacy of a nurse practitioner-facilitated chronic kidney disease (CKD) group visit (GO model versus usual nephrology care for patients with Stage 4 CKD. The study enrolled patients from two sites of an outpatient nephrology practice (n = 30) and randomized subjects to usual care (n = 14) or to the GV model (n = 16). Data regarding CKD knowledge, self-efficacy/disease self management, and physiologic measures were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months. Satisfaction was obtained at 6 months and 9 months. Usual nephrology office visit components were maintained during six monthly GVs, with group discussions of CKD-related topics. Results indicated a statistical improvement in CKD knowledge for both groups (F[1.498, 34.446] = 6.363, p = 0.008). An upward trend in mean scores for self management subscales and self-efficacy scores was demonstrated in the GV patients, with no improvement found in the usual care group. Twenty-six of 30 patients completed the study, with 92% attendance in the GV group. GV satisfaction was high.