Answering Your Most Asked Questions on Dialysis Research

1 in 7 American adults is suffering from chronic kidney disease. That’s 37 million people or 15% of the total population. More than 661,000 of these adults also have kidney failure, with 468,000 of them going through dialysis.

This is why dialysis research plays a significant role in helping patients receive a better quality of treatment. Here, we answer some of your most asked questions about dialysis research:

What is dialysis research?

Dialysis research is the process of gathering data and testing ideas with the goal of discovering new information about dialysis. This field focuses on the health and illness of patients diagnosed with chronic kidney diseases. Many of whom are undergoing dialysis. Overall, the purpose is to create or modify treatments, offer new methods for diagnosis, and find ways to improve treatment outcomes.

How long can you stay on dialysis?

If you’re suffering from kidney failure, you will need dialysis for the rest of your life. A person can come off of dialysis if they receive a kidney transplant. The average life expectancy for dialysis is 5-10 years. However, some patients live well for up to 30 years depending on the severity of their condition.

What are your rights as a research participant?

By choosing to be a research participant, you will have basic rights that protect you and your welfare. This includes:

The right to participate or not.

• You can freely make that decision without any outside pressure from medical professionals.
• The choice is up to you, if you wish to say no, that is okay.
• You can choose to quit as a participant after the study begins without incurring any penalties.

The right to be informed.

• You need to know the purpose of the study and the process itself.
• All risks and benefits of participation must be disclosed to you.
• As a participant, you must be informed of medical treatment you can and can not receive outside of the trial.

Why should you participate in dialysis research?

Being a participant allows you the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of yourself and all future dialysis patients.

Does it cost money to participate in dialysis research?

Typically, you don’t need to pay for anything if you are participating in dialysis research. To ensure you know the full extent of your rights as a participant, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider or a member of the research team. This will help you make the right decisions.

Where can you learn more about dialysis research and clinical trials?

Finally, aside from talking to members of the research team and your own healthcare team. You can also get in touch with experts at NICR. Learning more about dialysis research and being a participant can help with the decision-making process.

To learn more about NICRs research experience, click here.

Lastly, for any questions or concerns regarding your own treatment, you can contact us here.

The National Institute of Clinical Research is an SMO/CRO with offices and labs in the following cities and states: New Jersey, North Carolina, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Bakersfield 93309, Fountain Valley 92708, Garden Grove 92840, Hacienda Heights 91745, Huntington Beach 92648, Las Vegas 89106, Long Beach 90806, Los Angeles 90048, Ontario 91762, Rosemead 91770, San Antonio 78207, Santa Ana 92704, Upland 91786, and Westminster 92683.