Researchers from the University of Aberdeen are leading on work looking to address inequalities in kidney healthcare across Scotland, with its lead saying action is needed now as current inequalities “undermine public health”.

With funding from the Scottish government’s Chief Scientist Office, the researchers have set out to follow 140,000 people with newly diagnosed kidney disease over time.

Kidney disease affects  3.5 million people in the UK, and around six kidney disease patients die every week waiting for a transplant.

However, there are significant inequalities in the way the condition is diagnosed, accessed and treated, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Significant inequalities also exist for people from South Asian and Black backgrounds, who are more likely to develop kidney disease spend longer on the transplant waiting list, and are less likely to receive an organ transplant.

Collaborating with the University of Manchester, the University of Aberdeen’s Centre for Health Services Research Unit is investigating the drivers of these inequalities in this KINDER (Kidney Inequalities: Needs, Data, Experiences, Response) study.

Assessing the relationships between kidney health and socioeconomic circumstances and identify strategies to reduce or mitigate inequitable care, the research teams hope to inform policy and affect lasting change.

The study will explore the population of Scots affected by kidney disease, with a specific focus on diagnosis and access to early kidney care for people of working age.

Aberdeen Research Fellow and the study’s qualitative lead, Dr Magdalena Rzewuska Díaz, said:

“Our project focuses on addressing social justice within healthcare. Driven by collaboration with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers, we aim to leverage collective expertise for meaningful impact.

“At present, there exists a notable discrepancy in how kidney disease is diagnosed, accessed, and treated, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

“Not only does it perpetuate socioeconomic disadvantage, but it also undermines public health and reflects broader systemic injustices within our society. Recognising the urgency of this issue, we are committed to taking action.”

A patient partner on the KINDER study and project co-investigator, Mrs Audrey Hughes, said:

“Raising awareness of what our kidneys do is so important as early chronic kidney disease often shows no signs or symptoms. Early detection and effective treatment can delay or prevent kidney failure.”

This project will develop from previous research across Grampian which found that ‘serious and consistent’ inequalities exist in Scotland’s kidney care, even when a person’s other health conditions are not taken into account.

Researchers here stated that using an overly medical approach, without focusing on social needs, means healthcare awareness and access may be ‘insufficient to close the inequity gap’ as a result of less proactive use of healthcare among people living in deprived areas.

Bringing together experts from primary care, nephrology and public health to healthcare improvement, patient safety and research methodology, the KINDER study looks to provide solutions to reduce this disparity.

Dr Simon Sawhney, chief investigator on this collaborative work, said:

“It is only by enhancing our understanding of the factors that contribute to existing inequalities that we can develop effective strategies to reduce them.

“By doing so, we aspire to foster a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all individuals impacted by kidney disease.”

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