Digital interventions for chronic kidney disease
Topic Status Complete
Digital rehabilitation and self-management interventions for chronic kidney disease.
Outcome of the appraisal
The evidence supports the routine adoption of Kidney BEAM, a digital rehabilitation and self-management intervention for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Evidence comparing Kidney BEAM to waitlist control showed improvements in peoples’ quality of life, knowledge, skills and confidence related to managing health and healthcare, and physical function. A published cost-effectiveness analysis found Kidney BEAM to be a cost-effective intervention compared to waitlist control.
Kidney BEAM should be viewed as an additional tool that may be delivered alongside any programmes currently offered in Wales.
Other digital rehabilitation and self-management interventions are available for people with CKD but there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate their clinical and cost effectiveness.
Why was this topic appraised?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects just under 100,000 people in Wales. It may worsen over time and people with severe CKD may require dialysis and/or kidney transplant. Improvements in diet and increased exercise are beneficial in managing long term health conditions such as CKD and may improve risk factors associated with disease progression. Currently, in Wales, the standard of care is variable and access to rehabilitation or regular support/education provided by healthcare practitioners can be limited. Therefore, digital rehabilitation and self-management interventions, such as websites or apps, that educate patients and provide them with rehabilitation and tools to help them improve their lifestyle and better understand and manage chronic kidney disease may be beneficial. This topic was submitted by a Professor of Sport and Exercise Science at a UK University, who also leads a kidney disease exercise rehabilitation program at an NHS Health Board.
Plain language summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It can affect anyone but usually is associated with getting older. People with CKD only experience symptoms once the condition gets more advanced. These symptoms can include tiredness; swollen ankles, feet, or hands; shortness of breath; feeling sick; and blood in urine. Eventually, the kidneys may stop working altogether. However, most people with CKD can live long lives.
Having a healthy lifestyle is important for living well when you have CKD. Regular exercise, such as walking, is particularly important as inactivity is shown to make the condition worse. People with CKD can be supported to take part in physical activity and making healthy life choices by accessing support through digital platforms, such as websites.
Health Technology Wales looked for evidence for digital rehabilitation and self-management interventions for CKD. The evidence supports the routine adoption of Kidney BEAM, a digital rehabilitation and self-management intervention for people with chronic kidney disease.
Guidance
GUI070 07.2025
Evidence Appraisal Report
EAR070 07.2025
Topic Exploration Report
TER555 08.2024 (superseded by EAR070 07.2025)
Health Technology Wales Partners
