Participate in a Study

Current opportunities

• Experiences of Women with Depression and Kidney Failure Receiving Hemodialysis in an Incentre Urban Hospital in Ontario

  

  Overview

  Nearly 40% of people with late-stage kidney disease or on dialysis experience depression. This is almost 10 times higher than the general population where the rate of depression is around 4.4%. Moreover, almost 40% of dialysis patients are women and evidence suggests women may experience the symptoms of depression more strongly than men.

  Depression among kidney disease patients can have numerous effects on their healthcare and quality of life, including potential increases in the risk of hospitalization, poor compliance with treatment, poor nutrition, and more. Yet, the effects and impact of depression among women receiving dialysis is widely understudied.

  Understanding the impact and differences of depression on women undergoing dialysis can lead to the development of new tools and strategies to improve quality of life of these patients.

  Researchers from the University of Alberta are aiming to address this knowledge gap by interviewing dialysis patients who are women to understand their lived experience with depression and kidney disease. Eligible individuals will participate in one 45-60-minute structured interview with a member of the study team via online video conferencing platforms.

  This study is available in English only and will close on March 1, 2025.

  Eligibility

  To be eligible to participate in this study, you must:

  • Identify as a women
  • Be experiencing depression or depressive symptoms
  • Be receiving in-centre hemodialysis
  • Be located in Ontario

  Study Contact

  If you would like to participate in this study or have any questions, please contact Primrose Mharapara at [email protected] or 647-919-2476.

  This study was approved by the University of Alberta’s Research Ethics Board: Pro00134670

• Help Researchers Develop an Accurate Survival Prediction Tool for Advanced CKD

  People with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their healthcare teams often rely on prediction tools, which are calculators that help assess the risk of important health events and chances of survival, to treatment decisions that align with their preferences. 

  Currently, existing calculators lack accuracy, so researchers at the University of Calgary are looking to collaborate with patients and caregivers to develop a precise survival prediction tool for advanced CKD, prioritizing patient preferences. 

  To be eligible to participate, you must: 

  • be a patient or caregiver over 18 years of age with lived experience of kidney failure 

  • reside anywhere in Canada and be able to communicate in English 

  You are also eligible if you are receiving conservative care, on dialysis, or have undergone dialysis prior to receiving a kidney transplant.  

  Please note that kidney failure is defined by an eGFR mL/min/1.73 m2 below 15 for 3 months or longer. 

  This study is available in English only and will close on October 31, 2024. 

   

  Should you have any questions, please contact the research team below:  

  Niamh Caffrey 

  [email protected]  

   

  This study was approved by the University of Calgary’s Research Ethics Board: REB23-0895. 

• TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH KIDNEY CARE IN ALBERTA

  Researchers at the University of Calgary are seeking individuals to share their lived experiences receiving kidney care in Alberta. By participating in a 30-minute virtual or telephone interview, you can make your voice heard and help improve person-centered and integrated care. 

  Participant eligibility criteria include: 

  • Must be over the age of 18 and live in Alberta 

  • Patients must have kidney disease (pre-dialysis, pre-transplant) with at least 1 other co-morbidity (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, depression, etc.) 

  • Caregivers who support patients that fit the above demographic 

  Before the interview, participants will be asked to fill out a short demographic questionnaire; all questions are optional.  

  Participants will receive $50 for taking part in the study.  

  The study is only available in English and will continue recruitment until August 2024. It has received approval from the Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary (REB23-1140). 

   

  Should you have any questions, please contact:  

  Sabrina Jassemi 

  403-210-8820 

  [email protected]  

• Share Your Story: Help Clinicians Understand T2D and CKD

  Do you have type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) or maybe you know someone who does? If so, you can help Springer Healthcare build a patient-focused educational activity that emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient perspective and teamwork among healthcare professionals.

  If you decide to participate, you will get the chance to be part of a virtual video podcast and share your views with Professor Tina Visbol. You will also discuss shared decision-making and communication related to the treatment journey.

  The whole process will take around 3.5-4 hours, and you'll receive an honorarium for your time.

  Your valuable insights will help healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including primary care physicians, nephrologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and diabetologists to improve their treatment pathways.

  Please note that this study is only available in English.

  Should you have any questions, please contact:

  Leah Bundy

  [email protected]

• Food insecurity and Diet Quality in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

  As food costs rise in Canada, many turn to cheaper and more readily available processed foods, which can be high in salt and sugar and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Researchers at the University of Alberta are studying the impact of food insecurity on the diets and kidney health of Canadian adults with CKD.

  Your participation will help inform interventions and policies to prevent food insecurity and its health implications in this population.

  To be eligible, you must:

  • Be between 18-80 years old
  • Be able to provide consent
  • Have a diagnosis of stage 1-5 chronic kidney disease
  • Be able to communicate in English
  • Not be on dialysis

  Participants will be asked to complete a 3-day food record, collect receipts for two weeks’ worth of food, answer questionnaires about their food habits and quality of life, and attend online interviews with the study investigators. The total time required is estimated to be 3 hours.

  This study is only available in English and will continue until December 2025. It has received approval through the Health Research Ethics Board – Health Panel, University of Alberta (Pro00132239).

  Should you have any questions, please contact:

  Dr. Diana Mager PhD RD
  780-492-7687
  [email protected]

• Offer Your Input on Advanced Organ Donation in Canada

  The CHUM Research Centre is looking for people to participate in a short online survey and offer their perspectives on the ethics and logistics of advanced and voucher donation in kidney transplantation. The goal of this study is to contribute to the development of advanced living program in Canada.

  You are eligible to participate in this research if you are:

  • a kidney transplant recipient
  • a kidney transplant candidate on the waiting list
  • a kidney living donor
  • a caregiver
  • a healthcare professional working in kidney transplantation

  The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is available in English and French. All collected data is confidential.

  This study will be ongoing until the end of April 2024.

  Should you have any questions, please contact:

  Fabian Ballesteros
  514-890-8000, extension 26051
  [email protected]

  This study received ethical approval from the CHUM Research Ethics Board (REB), study identifier: MP-02-2021-8891.

• Become a Member of the Home First Dialysis Project Study Team

  If you or someone you know has experience with home dialysis OR have advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 4 or 5) and are not on dialysis, you are invited to be a patient partner in an ongoing study at the University of Manitoba.

  The Home First project aims to provide comprehensive support and education to CKD patients, with dedicated experts by their side to guide them through their healthcare journey. The goal of the program is to offer everyone the opportunity to experience home dialysis and help address barriers that may exist.

  As a patient partner you would be considered a member of the project research team. Your contributions may include reviewing educational material, sharing your experience with home dialysis, or helping guide the project.

  Patient partners must be able to speak English and be a resident of Manitoba.

  This study will be ongoing until 2027.

  Should you have any questions, please contact the research team:

  Rachel Girimonte
  1(204)-632-3667
  [email protected]

  This study received approval from the Health Research Ethics Board (HREB), study number H2023: 359.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy vs Health Enhancement Program: An Online Randomized Controlled Trial

  Accessing the right therapy modalities can significantly benefit mental health. At the Douglas Research Institute, researchers are investigating two forms of therapy: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and the Health Enhancement Program (HEP). The goal is to compare them to understand their effects on symptoms of late-life depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life.

  You can participate in this study if you:

  • are over 60 years of age,
  • experience depressive symptoms,
  • have internet access,
  • are available for eight weekly sessions,
  • and can provide informed consent.

  People with a recent substance abuse history, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar I or II disorder, primary psychotic disorder, or severe personality disorder are not eligible.

  Participants will participate in two interviews through Zoom: one before the start of the study and the second after the completion of it. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either eight weekly online sessions of MBCT or HEP for late-life depression, an active control.

  This study will be conducted in English, and you could participate in one of the three online group interventions that will be offered in fall 2023, spring 2024, and fall 2024.

  For more information, please contact:
  Dr. Paola Lavin
  Email: [email protected]

  This study was approved by the Ethics Review Board at the Douglas Research Institute, CIUSSS Ouest, number 884-2024, on August 30, 2023.

• EMPOWER: An online wellness program for adults living with chronic kidney disease

  Living with a chronic condition can have adverse effects mental well-being. Fortunately, people can overcome psychological obstacles and lead a satisfying, purposeful life with the right tools.

  Researchers at the University of Alberta designed EMPOWER, a 12-week online wellness program that includes mind-body practices like yoga, tai chi, meditation, breath work, and more. The goal of the study is to uncover the impact of the program on symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  You are eligible to participate in this study if you:

  • are an adult (18+) living with chronic kidney disease and/or are post-transplant,
  • can communicate in English,
  • have access to an internet-connected device.

  Adults with other chronic health conditions may also qualify for an alternate, general program.

  The program consists of weekly training videos that include movement videos (yoga, tai chi, and chair) with breathwork and meditation, a weekly tip from a clinician, and a short clip from a psychologist on living with a chronic condition. The program also offers a point system, games, and group movement sessions.

  This study will be ongoing until July 2024.

  Find the participation form here: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=E4JEHXDLL8LNCYDF

  Should you have any questions, please contact:
  Emily Johnson
  Email: [email protected]

  This study was approved by the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board (HREB) Pro#00122568.

• Studying the life stories of families of immunocompromised (IC) children during the COVID-19 pandemic

  At the University of Manitoba, researchers are studying the lived experience of families of immunocompromised (IC) children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their goal is to identify meaningful insights to help such families overcome challenges throughout the current pandemic and during future crises.
  
  If you have an IC child under 18, you are eligible to participate in this study. Participation will involve:

  1. An individual interview with each family member (who is interested)
  2. An individual or family group photograph activity followed by an interview about the photos
  3. Optional: Creation of a short video followed by a discussion of it in another interview

  You can organize each part of this study at your own convenience. You will also receive an honorarium for taking part in the research.
  
  This study is led by Dr. Roberta Woodgate and is ongoing until May 2025. Translators will be available for study participants.

  Should you have any questions, please contact:  
   

  Dr. Roberta Woodgate
  [email protected] 
  (204) 480-1051

• Study on the life stories of families of children who are immunocompromised during COVID-19
  Are you a family living in Canada with a child under 18 years old who is immunocompromised, or who has an immune system condition? 
  
  The University of Manitoba invites you to take part in a virtual interview as part of a research project called “Making visible the life stories of families of children who are immunocompromised during COVID-19”. Participants will receive a $30 gift card in appreciation of their contribution.
  
  For more information, please contact:      
  Rachelle Sass
  Tel.: (204) 480-1044
  [email protected]
• Study on Physical Activity and Exercise Practice Patterns of People on Peritoneal Dialysis
  Are you currently on peritoneal dialysis, or were you previously on it? Are you 18 years of age or older? If you responded yes and have access to a device with an Internet connection, the University of Calgary would like to hear from you!
  
  Share your voice by completing a short, anonymous survey to help researchers understand the physical activity and exercise practice patterns of people on peritoneal dialysis.
  
  For more information, please contact: 
  Dr. Jennifer MacRae 
  Tel.: (403) 210-6766
  [email protected]
• VIRTUAL PATIENT ADVOCACY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
  MEDSKL is a free, open-access medical education platform that is recruiting patient volunteers to share their story with medical students through a live webinar series called "Patient Perspectives". This is an opportunity for individuals in The Kidney Foundation community to teach future physicians about kidney disease from the perspective of their lived experience. The webinar will be 1 hour in length and hosted on Zoom on a weeknight evening of your choice. If you are interested in this opportunity, please sign-up using the online form or contact MEDSKL at www.medskl.com/contact.
• Exploring Patients Knowledge of Precision Medicine & Biobanking
  Are you at least 18 years old? Have you been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease? 
  
  Researchers at the University of Calgary are exploring patients’ knowledge, perceptions and experiences of precision medicine and biobanking. The findings of this research may help to enhance patient engagement and awareness of precision medicine and biobanking research
  
  Researchers are looking for patients with chronic kidney disease who are willing to be interviewed about these topics. The interviews will be conducted either by phone or by Skype/Zoom/Google Hangouts and will take approximately 30-45 minutes. 
  
  In appreciation of participant’s time, a $25 gift card will be provided. Please note that your views will be confidential and no personally identifiable information will be associated with responses.
  
  If you are willing to participate in this study, please contact:
  Mohammad Haque
  Masters Student at University of Calgary 
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: 403-835-7225
• TESTING Study Seeking Patients with IgA Nephropathy
  IgA nephropathy is one of the most common causes of kidney disease, especially in younger adults. The mainstay of therapy involves using blood pressure medications to lower both blood pressure and decrease proteinuria. In those wherein proteinuria cannot be lowered to less than a gram, progression to end stage kidney disease occurs over a number of years. There is information to suggest that corticosteroids (medications that suppress the immune system) may be effective at preventing kidney failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The TESTING Study is an international study being conducted to clearly understand what benefits and risks are associated with corticosteroids in IgA nephropathy, using a corticosteroid called methylprednisolone.
  
  Over the next year we are looking for 50 patients over the age of 18 with IgA nephropathy to participate in this study at 6 hospitals across Canada. If you are interested in learning more about the study, please contact a research coordinator at one of the hospitals below:
  
  St. Paul’s Hospital/Vancouver General Hospital (Vancouver, BC): Zainab Sheriff [email protected] or 604-682-2344 x64744
  
  University of Calgary, Foothills Medical Center (Calgary, Alberta): Sheila Li [email protected] or 403-210-7431
  
  University of Alberta Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta): Nancy Ruholl [email protected] or 780-492-3887
  
  Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Ontario): Tatjana Sukovic [email protected] or 416-480-6100 x 3247
  
  London Health Sciences Centre (London, Ontario): Kerri Gallo [email protected] or 519-685-8500 x52212
  
  Hôpital Maisonneuve Rosemont (Montréal, Quebec): Martine Comeau [email protected] or 514-252-3400 x4647