Psychosocial supports within pediatric nephrology practices: A pediatric nephrology research consortium survey

Abstract

Background The landscape of available psychosocial services within pediatric nephrology care is poorly characterized. However, the effects of kidney disease on emotional health and health-related quality of life are well documented, as is the impact of social determinants of health on kidney disease outcomes. The objectives of this study were to assess pediatric nephrologists’ perceptions of available psychosocial services and to elucidate inequities in access to psychosocial care. Methods A web-based survey was distributed to members of the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium (PNRC). Quantitative analyses were performed. Results We received responses from 49 of the 90 PNRC centers. With regards to dedicated services, social work was most commonly available (45.5–100%), followed by pediatric psychology (0–57.1%) and neuropsychology (0–14.3%), with no centers having embedded psychiatry. Availability of psychosocial providers was positively associated with nephrology division size, such that as center size increased, access to various psychosocial providers increased. Notably, the majority of respondents indicated that perceived need for psychosocial support exceeds that which is currently available, even at centers with higher levels of current support. Conclusions Within the US, there is wide variability in the availability of psychosocial services within pediatric nephrology centers despite a well-documented necessity for the provision of holistic care. Much work remains to better understand the variation in funding for psychosocial services and in utilization of psychosocial professionals in the pediatric nephrology clinic, and to inform key best practices for addressing the psychosocial needs of patients with kidney disease.