A new Kidney Care UK report launched today reveals the significant social, emotional and psychological (psychosocial) toll that kidney disease has on the lives of many of those who have it.
'Left to get on with it': the real impact of inadequate psychosocial support in kidney care highlights the inadequate levels and significant variations in psychosocial support available to individuals, across the UK, at the times when they need it most throughout their kidney journey.
The condition plays a huge part in your daily living. Need to work, can't work, depression, worry, anxiety, relationship issues. Life in general can be hard, with no help.Kidney patient
Key findings: experiences of people living with kidney disease
- 82% are experiencing fatigue and tiredness
- Over half report anxiety
- Over a third feel stressed and depressed
- A quarter have money worries
- 73% currently needing NHS psychosocial support are not receiving it
- 69% say their psychosocial needs have never been formally assessed.
- 92% believe appropriate psychosocial support should be part of standard NHS kidney care
Kidney Care UK are asking policymakers and healthcare organisations to act NOW and respond to our 3 key challenges on: the psychosocial impact of kidney disease, the need for psychosocial support and providing psychosocial support – to ensure appropriate, specialist and effective psychosocial support for all people with kidney disease is available throughout the UK.
The report presents the findings of an online survey conducted by Kidney Care UK (Jan-Feb 2025) with 1,796 adults affected by kidney disease.